Swingarm to frame gap?

[Kiwirider]

Howdy all.
Im back again with another question about my beastie. Got an 08 Mastiff.
I've tried a few different searches, but they seem to come up with frames that are adjusted different to mine.

Ive just replaced the swing arm bearings, which were seized and have mounted it back on the frame. The thing is, I have the adjustable pivot axle and when I put everything back on, including the washer/spacer on each side (where they came from) as per the manual.

I extended the pivot axle so it touches the bearings, then screwed in the pivot axle screws to just touching the frame. I still have 1/8-1/4" gap left.

Now, because of this gap, do I expand the pivot axle, pushing the swing arm OUT to touch the frame... Or.... Leave the axle touching the bearings, and screw the axle screws IN, so the frame squeezes IN to touch the swingarm.
Or is there a middle of the road?



You can see the gap in here.


Im actually in the middle of one of my "fix one thing... turns into fixing 10 things" services.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Kiwirider]

Ok gents. Walking Dead is finished. Get back to the forum lol.

 

[Kiwirider]

Anyone?

 

[mark whitrock]

You don't want the swing arm to have any play side to side it will wear the belt and you don't want it so tight that it can't pivot.

 

[Kiwirider]

You don't want the swing arm to have any play side to side it will wear the belt and you don't want it so tight that it can't pivot.

Yup thats what I figured. But how do I properly remove that gap? Either expanding the swing arm, or screwing in the frame will both cause stresses on either member. Im not missing any parts and none of them are worn enough to create a gap this big.

 

[mark whitrock]

Use a straight edge to see witch piece needs to move.

 

[MARV]

My 05 chopper had a large spacer on the left side between frame and swingarm. About 1/4".
Plus it has the threaded spacer on the right side between frame and swingarm to take up any slack.
I don't see that on your right side so must be a different set up

 

[Kiwirider]

My 05 chopper had a large spacer on the left side between frame and swingarm. About 1/4".
Plus it has the threaded spacer on the right side between frame and swingarm to take up any slack.
I don't see that on your right side so must be a different set up

Yea, thats what I found when I did a search on the subject. The Mastiff (and I guess the K9) just have a spacer/washer on each side and thats it. I know its a fairly small space. But what Im worried about, is either sinching IN the Pivot Bolts, or pushing OUT the Pivot bar, in that it will cause stress' on either components welds. Put that on top of the stress' that will already be loaded onto them from riding.
Its a small gap, but in a place that does a LOT of work. Just dont want to F*&k it up.

 

[Kiwirider]

Use a straight edge to see witch piece needs to move.

My swing arm stays central in the mastiff. But it's filling this gap that's got me. I don't want to stress the frame or swing arm by squeezing them. I've read a lot about cracks in welds on swing arms. Don't want line to be one if them. Especially if I was to cause it.

 

[MARV]

Would have to think the frame has more side to side support with the wide uprights. Do you recall having to loosen the pivot axle a few turns to remove from the swingarm? I'd say definitely widen the swingarm to meet the frame by lengthening the pivot axle. Bet it spreads without much pressure.

 

[Kiwirider]

Would have to think the frame has more side to side support with the wide uprights. Do you recall having to loosen the pivot axle a few turns to remove from the swingarm? I'd say definitely widen the swingarm to meet the frame by lengthening the pivot axle. Bet it spreads without much pressure.

I think both the pivot axle and bolts weren't that tight to begin with. I think the axle just popped out and the bolts didn't need much effort to start unscrewing. I looked in the manual and noticed the fame side sections are a separate component. So I feel better about tightening the frame in to the swing arm. I'm thinking Ill do a bit of both. Open the pivot axle a little, and bring in the frame to meet it. Ill have a look tomorrow and see how it comes together.