Took the swingarm and linkage out to clean and re-grease today. It was due for a strip down anyway (which I last did 12K miles ago), but I did get an advisory at MOT time back in October for �slight play in the rear suspension linkage�.

I discovered where the play was almost straight away � it was at the front pivot point where the linkage joins the frame. However, on close inspection there was absolutely no wear or play in the bearings � the problem was with the sleeve being 0.4mm too short and was floating/rocking from side to side! Without the ability to nip up the two ends of the sleeve, the needle roller doesn�t actually do what it should, the whole thing was partly pivoting on the bolt. And as the bore of the sleeve is bigger and the bolt�s diameter, it makes for quite lot of slop.

Here's a picture of the problem. You can clearly see the marks where the alloy body of the relay arm has been coming in contact with the sides of the mounting plates as it rocks and floats from side to side.



I�m not sure how this can be � the sleeve can�t have worn down at the ends and got 0.4mm shorter? Or could it? The mounts on the frame can�t have splayed, they�re too rigid and well braced.

Anyhow, I�ve ordered a new sleeve and we shall see how long it is when it arrives. The one I�ve taken out measures 40.5mm.

Now, I am positive that last time I greased the linkage there was no slackness there at all and everything was a tight fit, but as you do, I started doubting myself, and thought maybe there was some play but I never noticed? Perhaps it�s always been like that? Could my bike have been supplied with short sleeve? Possible the frame mounts were welded on incorrectly? Then again, it�s passed every previous MOT (same garage/same tester).

So what I�d like to know is, for comparison, how floppy is/was yours last time you looked�?

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