Swingarm Pivot - Cannondale 120027.PDF Owner's Manual Supplement

swingarm pivot

The pivot axle, bearings, and bearing shields
are subject to wear depending on use,
conditions, and maintenance. Periodic
disassembly, cleaning, and regreasing will
extend time between necessary renewal.
field check
1. Place the bike in a work stand
and remove the rear wheel.
2. Remove the rear shock.
3. Stand behind the bike holding
the swingarm by the dropouts.
Lift it up and down. The pivot should
move smoothly without sticking
allowing the swingarm to fall under its
own weight. Be careful, don't let the
swingarm slam against the frame.
Next, still holding the dropouts, try
to detect any excessive play side-to-
side. Excessive side-to-side play can be
caused by a loose pivot nut or damage
to the bearings or other pivot parts.
If you find the swingarm movement
rough or gritty or detect excessive
side-to-side play, the pivot assembly
should be inspected. An inspection will
require, disassembly, cleaning and parts
inspection. Replacement of worn part
may be necessary. Have this service
performed by your Cannondale dealer.
Pivot Axle & Pivot Nut
The pivot must always be installed with the
head on the drive side (right) of the frame.
The pivot can not be removed without
removing the crankset. When the pivot nut
is removed the pivot will slide out easily.
However, before it is removed the weight
of the swingarm should be supported to
prevent it dropping suddenly causing injury
or damage.
Bearings
The swingarm pivot bearings are a
sealed cartridge type and do not require
lubrication.
A film of grease applied to the faces of the
bearing can be applied to help to repel
damaging moisture.
To check the bearings:
With the pivot out, rotate the inner bearing
race with your finger tip to confirm smooth
rotation. Replace bearings if the rotation
feels rough or gritty. When necessary,
replace bearings as a new set. Drive out the
old bearings carefully and install new ones
using proper bearing installation tools.
Spacers
The spacers are located between the
bearings and frame. The smooth rounded
side of the spacer faces the frame while the
flatter side of the spacer fits against the
bearing.
To check the spacers, remove them and look
for any uncharateristic wear, deep grooves,
cracks or other damage. Be sure to check
the frame bore surfaces as well. A rough
surface can accelerate wear. If the spacers
are in good shape, clean and regrease them
before reinstallation. Make sure they go
back in the right way. See the next figure.
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