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4/27/2018
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Need some guidance. I have a '22 KX 450 with 14 hrs and I decided to tear it down and repacked the linkage bearings. I noticed when I pick up the rear wheel there is a slight bit of play. Hard to tell exactly, but seems to be coming from the top of the shock. Nothing side-to-side, just up and down. Is this normal? It may have been like this before and I never noticed it.
As always, thanks for your thoughts/guidance!
I struggled with play on my 08 CRF 450 for years. Play was coming from shock upper (hiem) bearing. After replacing it several times, play would return after about 20 hours. Finally stopped worrying about it and experienced no ill effects.
My 2016 KTM has always had a slight bit of play too. Even replacing the linkage, upper shock bearing, and swingarm bearings at the same time did not cure it. Like wildbilly I’ve rode it for years with no problems.
Thanks willbilly,
"Thanks for your feedback. The bike has 15 hrs (14.8) on it, and I just never really noticed it before repacking the bearings. Again, perhaps it was always there, I just didn't notice it.
I appreciate your thoughts, and knowing that you've replaced the top shock bearing only to have the play come back is great info, so thank you! Again, it may have been that way, but I just never noticed. It took by surprise, as I put everything together only to notice the slight bit of up-and-down movement.
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Totally normal to have some play after some run time, usually replace shock bearings when the play becomes excessive.. if you put your finger on the shock upper or lower mount area, while also touching the frame mount in same area, slowly move rear wheel up/down, you can isolate which bearing is worn more…my 90”s CR”s used to go through heim joints every 15-20hrs, I rode a lot of sand whoops and they would wear out fast….
My 21 is the same way. I had to replace the lower shock linkage bearing due to water intrusion/ lacking on maintenance and even after a brand new bearing and packing everything else I still have slight up and down play.
Is there preload on the spring?
I posted this in the other thread. My brand new 22 and 24 had play in the rear suspension, about a 1/4" at the rear wheel. Once the play becomes more, I replace shock bearings, usually around 25 hours.
This is great info to know. I was considering replacing the lower shock bearing, but knowing this, I may hold off until it worsens. Again, it seems that a slight bit of up and down is normal. Thanks again!
This is what I was hoping to hear! Thanks for confirming my thoughts. I will replace the lower shock bearing around 25hrs unless the play becomes worse.
Yes, preload/sag have been set. I'm running 103 on my sag.
Do what the sandman768 posted above, feel and see which bearing is more worn, sometimes its both. Keep an eye on it and when it gets noticeable worse, it's time to replace. I wouldn't worry to much, all bikes have a tiny bit of play in the linkage system.
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