pivot shaft removal from swing arm

M

martydap

XS650 Member
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
1
Location
Massachusetts
Hi. New to the forum. I picked up an '81 Special with only 2500 miles on it. It was last registered in 1986. Carbs and tank cleaning, oil change etc. and it runs perfect. It sat all those years in a damp cellar so now I'm taking it apart to clean it up and remove some rust. I am attempting to take the swing arm off to clean it up and repaint it. I removed the lock washer and nut but can't seem to get the pivot shaft loose. It seems to be frozen in the swing arm. I've been hitting it with a hammer and it won't budge. I searched the forum for a solution but couldn't find anything. Anyone have any ideas? Thank you in advance.
 
unfortunately there's no magic to be had. search "swing arm bolt removal" for confirmation.................much hammering, PB Blaster, twisting and swearing
 
Okay. Just searched again and found the solution. A much bigger hammer seems to be the answer. Just went out and bought PB Blaster and going to give it a shot.
 
Hi marty and welcome,
yeah, there's no middle ground with the XS650 swingarm thrubolt.
Either it needs heat and a BFH to move it or the M14 threaded end breaks off and the rest of the bolt falls out onto the highway.
BTW, yours will most likely be FUBAR after it's out.
It's safer to replace it with a full M16 - ended replacement from MikesXS.
 
I have now used PB Blaster, heated it up and hammered and it still hasn't budged. I guess I'll just keep whacking away at it. Should I try drilling it out or will that cause more problems?
 
I hope you're using a block of hardwood between the end of the bolt and the hammer. If not, you'll mess it up so much it may not fit through the frame or swingarm holes. Yes, keep hitting it. You can also remove the grease fittings and shoot penetrating oil in there. Or maybe greasing the bolt with those nipples may help some. When it finally starts moving out, you may need to drive it back in, then out, back in, etc. a few times to break it free.
 
I figure I'm going to replace the bolt anyway. I am using a deep socket with a metal rod in it to put over the bolt. There is about a 3/8 inch space between the end of the socket and the frame. It gives me a little more space when swinging the hammer. If and when I get it to move I'll have to then use a metal rod to push it through.
 
I heat the crap out of the area with a heat gun. Then spray your penetrating of choice. Repeat. It will suck it In slowly. The bfh time and it should slowly start to move.

Posted via Mobile
 
Hi marty,
this is the last resort of the desperate.
Lay the bike on it's side so you can get at the bolt from underneath.
Take a Sawzall and cut through the bolt such that the cut goes through the bolt and through the flange of the plastic swingarm bushing.
You may have to cut through both bolt ends if it's really stuck.
Then you can drop the swingarm out and put it in a 10 ton hydraulic press.
But first, beat the crap out of it.
 
Well I did it! After much heating, PB Blaster, hammering and swearing it came loose! Thanks everyone for the advice and moral support. I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as this project progresses.
 
Just freed a stubborn swingarm bolt myself. This setup has been invaluable for the XS project. A cheap air hammer drove the impossible swingarm bolt like butta. It also freed the rusted crossover that I'd fought with for hours.

xsx.jpg


Tools are awesome.
 
An air hammer, yes, I like that idea. Never thought of it before. I happen to have one too. Well actually, it's an air chisel, but I think they're pretty much the same thing.
 
5twins said:
An air hammer, yes, I like that idea. Never thought of it before. I happen to have one too. Well actually, it's an air chisel, but I think they're pretty much the same thing.
Click to expand...
I guess it is an air chisel, from a cheap air tool set I bought years ago for the rattle gun. The die is an aluminum drift attached to a riveter base acquired from the aviation Industry.
 

Similar threads

B
Xs650 Suzuki katana smash up
Replies
15
Views
2K
btrac11
B
WPGxs650_brat
Brake pivot shaft install
Replies
0
Views
642
WPGxs650_brat
WPGxs650_brat
Byynow
For Sale - 1980 Full blown basket case, some assembly required
  • Price: $1500
  • Minden, NV
Replies
6
Views
395
Vincenthdfan
Vincenthdfan
David Toll
Swing arm Pivot tube
2 3
Replies
46
Views
4K
grizld1
grizld1
kshansen
Sort of motorcycle related, it's a Harley Sportster!
Replies
5
Views
1K
Bear1
Bear1
Back
Top