Triumphrat

tyger · 08-13-2009, 05:07 PM

My rear suspension started creaking like Magic Johnson's knees recently.

This is after a recent attempt to de-gunkify the chain. I think I may sprayed the cleaner in and hit a bushing, or from reading some other threads, perhaps worst of all bearings for the suspension link.
I bought the bike this spring with 18k miles on it so I figure WTH, I should replace the bearings so I can sleep better. And further WTH I should do wheels and steering too, especially after reading some posts about how dry new bikes' bearings were.

I found a thread (on Sprint forum) with link and good recommendation to goallballs.com for bearings. They don't have suspension bearings for our Tigers, though.

So-- what does anyone recommend for high quality replacement bearings and grease for our stripedy catlike bikes?

PeteH · 08-16-2009, 07:00 PM

Are you sure its the suspention??? My rear end sqeaked the other day when I pressed down on the seat, it was just the brake pads rubbing on the disc.

tyger · 08-26-2009, 10:53 AM

I got some chain lube sprayed in there and the rear suspension link creak went away. I suppose all is well in this department. On to the other noises and vibrations.

At a maintenance speed or mild acceleration level I feel a on/off vibration coming up. It's very consistent with on/off depending on speed.
This all started after tightening and cleaning up the chain, which was spurred by what I thought was a too loose chain that was slapping about a bit.
I'm pretty sure it still has sufficient play, even had a guy slightly heavier than me sit on it and checked play while suspension was compressed.
It feels like (or it could be my imagination) that something wobbles. I've double checked the torque on the rear axle and even bumped it up an extra 10mm.
I suppose the next logical step is take the front sprocket cover off and check that it isn't wobbling or something. Is that possible?

darmah · 08-27-2009, 01:21 AM

If you are SURE it is the shock, pull it off, (good luck) and take the bearing to the nearest bearing house, ask your local machine shop who they use. They will measure it's ID, OD and w and either present you with a new one or order it for you. I have replaced all my wheel bearings and seals with locally sourced equal quality bearings at 1/4 the Triumph price.

FifeTiger · 09-08-2009, 09:52 AM

If it all started after you tightened the chain then it points to the chain being too tight.

With the bike on the centre stand allow 40-50mm slack, general opinion is the workshop slack is too tight for most people to do at home accurately enough and a slacker chain is fine.

I don't need to adjust mine between services.

Symptoms of a tight chain are slight grinding/vibration, if you get it on acceleration that might be as the rear squats and tightens the chain.

Just a thought but I'd drop off the chain 5mm or so and see if it goes away.

Oh, and check for that tight spot !!!