Author Topic: Wheel bearing grease in swing arm yes or no (Read 8697 times)

Scott · « **on:** January 16, 2012, 02:00:59 AM »

Hello
I've just put bronze bushes in the swing arm of my CB750. I'm going to put it back together in the next day or so and wonder what type of grease is the best to use
Thanks for your thoughts
Scott

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2012, 02:31:57 AM »

Any good quality bearing grease should be fine mate. Put plenty in there, and don't use a pressure washer on your bike, or you might wash it out again! Cheers, Terry.

voxonda · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:39:17 AM »

Hey Scott,

Look for lithium based grease, that resists water.

Rob.

K5owner · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:48:35 AM »

I would recommend a lithium based Moly grease. Its used for high stress areas that don't see high movement or RPM's. Unlike the common lithium wheel bearing grease; the Moly type is generally black in color.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2012, 03:49:47 AM »

Any grease will do better then nothing, but... wheel bearing grease is intended for bearings with rolling elements, like a ball bearing or tapered rolling bearing. Other greases primarily those with extreme pressure lubricants, (EPs) are intended for use in bushings such as those in a swing arm.

Greases used to lubricate heavy equipment or automotive steering gear will work well in this application. Pack it tight to exclude water.

eldar · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2012, 09:11:35 AM »

I just do what Terry does. Clean the old crap out well and pack it in there.

Scott · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:33:20 AM »

thanks for that, it didn't even cross my mind but I can use the grease that I use on the excavator. Because it is quite thin compared to wheel bearing grease I didn't think to use it before I asked this question. It would have to be an extreme pressure type of grease I would think
Scott

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:43:08 AM »

Yeah I pumped mine up with LUCAS red and tacky. Same stuff I use in ball joints and whatnot.

Danno · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2012, 10:28:53 PM »

the moly is best but what is important is that you grease it frequently at least every oil change

Ga-Bandit · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:07:15 PM »

I have a question to add: Do we still use the felt ring and the cover plate on the newer brass bushings that have lip? Thanks in advance.

-Joe

Markcb750 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2012, 11:14:15 PM »

Keeping the dust seals in place is a good idea.

But you can keep the life up with proper lubrication.

Nothing works if you do not clean the zerk well prior to putting in new grease and you push dirt into the bushing along with new grease.

Terry in Australia · « **Reply #11 on:** January 17, 2012, 01:56:12 AM »

Quote from: Ga-Bandit on January 16, 2012, 11:07:15 PM

I have a question to add: Do we still use the felt ring and the cover plate on the newer brass bushings that have lip? Thanks in advance.

-Joe

No mate, there's nowhere to put it. Cheers, Terry.

neevo · « **Reply #12 on:** January 17, 2012, 03:45:04 AM »

Are these bronze bushings a straight swap? Was reading some posts from Hondaman that made it sound waaaay more involved.

I am up for new swingarm bearings and was looking at bronze as an option but want to make sure there is a benefit in doing so, and that I can do it myself.

Scott · « **Reply #13 on:** January 17, 2012, 09:41:04 AM »

G'day Neevo
I took my swing arm off the bike took out the collar and then the old bushes I ran the hone through it quickly just as a tidy up and the new bronze bushes could be tapped in with a copper hammer. I still haven't had the chance to put it back on the bike yet but so far so good.
Only thing that I am stuck on is putting new grease nipples in both ends to grease it. A mate reckons you can't cut a thread into the case hardening to take the new nipple.
Maybe I can cut the thread off the new grease nipples and make them a press fit like the existing ones

I reckon I would have just sent it to Hondaman if I had the chance but I had all ready bought the bushes before knowing about his service so I will give this a go first, plus the postage from Oz might be a bit expensive
Scott

neevo · « **Reply #14 on:** January 17, 2012, 12:21:34 PM »

Yeah the postage from here would be a killer too for a $50 part.

TwoTired · « **Reply #15 on:** January 17, 2012, 12:48:18 PM »

When starting from dry, there is little worry. I prefer Lithium based grease, as it repels water better than the Sodium types. Add some moly and the wear is reduced even further.

But some greases don't mix well, meaning that the capability of the grease is reduced below the basic properties of either. So, it is not recommended to put, say lithium grease, where sodium grease is installed. This doesn't apply if ALL the previous grease is removed before adding a different base type.

dave500 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2012, 12:50:56 PM »

ive tapped and fitted proper screw in grease nipples in those before.

Scott · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2012, 10:09:25 PM »

good news Dave I may as well give it a go.
The bloke who said it can't be done (extremley hard to do )may not be an expert in metals
Thanks for your reply
Scott

1BadCB750 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 17, 2012, 10:34:13 PM »

Good responses above! I'd stay away from disk brake and wheel bearing grease. It has to perform under load, and does not offer much in the way of lubrication until up to temp.

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Author Topic: Wheel bearing grease in swing arm yes or no (Read 8697 times)

Markcb750

Markcb750