Swingarm Question

Hello all,
Been working on my 82 xj650 Maxim lately and noticed a possible issue with my swingarm. With the bike on the center stand I can move the swing arm from side to side at least an inch. I also noticed there is a big gap on the right side of the swingarm and I can see the threads of the right swing arm bolt. I tried tightening the bolt but when i turn the wheel the shaft clunks very loudly which makes me think it is out of alignment when the bolt is that tight. I can't imagine the swingarm is suppose to move this much. Any comments on this? I will post pictures when i get off work if needed.

Thanks,
Captain.

 

don't ride it like that

 

Hadn't planned on it. The bike is in pieces anyway.

 

Get a service manual and read how to center and tighten the swingarm bolts. Check those bearings and u-joint also.

 

Go take a look at this and see if you have some parts missing:
http://www.bikebandit.com/houseofmotorc ... #sch210875

 

Yeah,....sounds like your bearings need servicing or replacement.
How many miles on the clock? When I had a front wheel bearing go
out I replaced them all, front and rear since at 25 yrs old I knew
It could'nt hurt.
Greased the steering bearings while I was at it since it's "better
safe then in pieces".

good luck.
ron

 

I seem to have misplaced my manual. I'll pull the swingarm tomorrow to see if I'm missing any pieces. The odometer reads 28,700 so I'll probably end up replacing those bearings. Thanks for the quick replies. I'll post up tomorrow to let yall know what I find.

 

That's the great unknown, unless you have had the bike from new, the bearings could be quite recent, just poorly fitted.