pivot problems

[numbnuts]

The swingarm pivot on my evo 4 has developed a lot of play over the last couple of rides after being trouble free for the 18mths I've been riding it so I need some advice. I haven't had a chance to check on the K2 site but I seem to remember that they have a good diagram of the pivot assembly so I will be checking that also. Firstly, did the evo 4 come with bearings or bushings or both! + Is it normal for it to develop play after this amount of time, I think it is a bit soon for me to have trashed bearings/bushings although I suppose I have been doing a few drops lately. Does this type of problem usually involve replacing the whole assembly or are there any quick fixes?

Anyone who's had similar problems let me know. It looks as though disassembling the pivot should be pretty straight forward, loosen the pinch bolts, knock axle through and the swingarm should be off so i can get to the internals and rip em out, right?

[Matno]

It's got bearings.

As for whether it's shot or not, only one way to tell (that I know of). Take it apart, clean it thoroughly, grease it heavily, reassemble it tightly, and ride it smoothly. Most of the time that works for me (at least for a little while longer). If not, the pivot bearing kits are available from K2. Someone here should be able to tell you the specific part number.

[numbnuts]

thanks Matno, I will be pulling it apart tomorrow, but I am guessing that something is shot.I just checked the K2 site, the part # is RKO 12, hopefully I can get one quickly, even if I don't have to replace yet it'll be good to have the kit in my pile of spare parts. I have not been doing well with bearings lately, destroying bb's, headsets, hubs at an expensive rate. [smiley=disbelief.gif]

[irate]

My Razorback developed some slop at the pivot (bushing) a while back.  I took it apart, cleaned it, and wrapped the offending bushing with teflon tape.  This sounds a bit unorthodoxed ("rigged" if you will), but it tightened it up and I've had no problems for nearly a year.  Now my shock is shot, but that's a different animal altogether...

[epac]

i have a 99 evo. it got ridden alot for 2 years and its still solid. i dont do to many drops and nothing really over 3 feet. we just dont have that stuff here in detroit. but i have taken it apart and cleaned and relubed it 2 times a year since i bought it.

if you can get your hands on a bearing kit i would do it. its one of those things thats worth having around.


                           peace......epac

[numbnuts]

irate, used teflon tape on sloppy shock bushings some time ago with good results, in fact I forgot that it's there and never thought of using it on the pivot. I'll have some handy when I pull it down just in case!