I just got through re-greasing and tearing apart my 2003 DS650 rear axle & swingarm. WARNING! Those who haven't re-greased these two items don't wait any longer. There was very little grease in both the Swingarm and the Rear wheel axle bearings. All the bearings were still GOOD but in a real NEED of being re-packed with grease. Replace all the seals and the "O" rings and I'd go buy seals & "O" rings before you take it apart as you will want to replace them with NEW!

If you find any problems replace all the bearings and the Races and all the seals & "O" Rings. Follow the instructions as per the Main Service manual and have a Torque wrench. Clean everything first with degreaser and a some hot water. Blow if off with compressed air and then tear into it!

I doubt is I would of lasted the season without a failure if I had NOT of serviced these two items. The Swingarm has a ZERK fitting, but tearing apart and cleaning all the parts is advised. Then re-grease with a good water-proof grease and keep it greased after every ride. Be careful not to put too MUCH grease into the swingarm with the Zerk fitting as you can BLOW out the seals in the swingarm and then you'll have problems. Use the Zerk fitting and add just a little grease after each ride. If when adding grease it just takes little grease and gets a hard fell on the grease gun then STOP, as that is enough grease. Adding more grease will only blow the seals!

Becareful and don't put off these two maintenance items or you'll pay for it later!

Good Luck,

GLWBEAR

 

Hey, you are not the only person to experience this problem; unfortunately for many (including myself) we find out too late. I agree w/you about greasing the swingarm zerk, but it is sometimes a lot of trouble to grease the axle bearings, especially when you tear up the seals every time.

However, if you need new axle bearings, I found OEM replacements at a bearing dealer (matching #'s) for $40.

 

Yep i too found out the hard way. Just replaced the carrier and all the bearings and seals. Wish I would have known that swingarm bearings go dry in a matter of months. Ohh well expensive learning lesson I guess.

 

I thought there was a bushing not bearings in the swing arm. Can someone clarify this?

Since my DS is down I was thinking of doing the rear axle bearings.. anyone have the part numbers for the bearings and seals?

 

thanks for the warning Bear! .. i took a look at mine this eve and it was all loose! the whole setup was about to fall apart and i never even noticed.. Anyway how the hell do you get the hub with the disc brake connected to it over the little lip in the axle... i got it to slide out about 4" to see all of the splines.. but then it hits that little lip where the clips ride and will go no further.. how do you get it over that? thanks guys..
Rob.

 

There iS A "CLIP" I think you have to remove and I suggest you get a Service Manual if your going to do this yourself. There are some "O" Rings you have to deal with as well. I'd try taking a piece of wood and putting over the end of the Axle and wack it a couple of times. If that doesn't do it I'll have to look at the service manual when I get into the shop on Wed.

I'd ask others on the Forum and I'm sure there are other guys who have done this. Remember to replace all the seals and bearings and check your Univerasal joints as well!

Sorry I wasn't nay more help. HEY Guys, come on take over from here and help this guy out!!!

GLWBEAR

 

I'm no mechanic, but my buddy Dave just changed the ones in the Pig last night.

He used a hammer and piece of wood to knock it out an

 

thanks to everyone's help i was able to get the whole assembly out.. it was very dirty.. bearings seem fine.. should i replace them anyway? where off the internet are you guys getting them?
thanks
Rob.

 

I know you'll be able to get them reasonable from:

Whisler Bearing
101 North Maple Avenue
Rapid City, SD 57701
(605) 342-8822

They have the exact same ones Bomb puts in at the factory. Just give them the number stamped on the side of the bearing. I believe the size is an even 70mm OD x 40mm ID (if my memory is correct, not 100% on that). But they do have the right ones.

You don't have to replace them now, but while you have everything torn out, you might as well. They have obviously been under stress.

Aaron

 

If I remeber they are standard timkin bearings. The same as ones used in alot of dexter trailer axles. I wouldn't be suprised if the trailer you use to haul your quads have the exact same bearings as the DS.

just about any RV dealer can match you up with a set.