Rear Suspension triangle,how much lay

[Sidmouth]

So I took the rear suspension and brain off my Epic Alloy, so the top part of the triangle is off, leaving only the 2 bottom bolts securing the swing arm.

I noticed some play in the joint when moving the arm from left to right,does anyone know how much play should be happening,I also understand that without the top bolts there is a lot less structure holding the triangle in place, but should there be any left and right movement, no matter how small.

Edited February 26, 2014 by Sidmouth

[Vetseun]

So I took the rear suspension and brain off my Epic Alloy, so the top part of the triangle is off, leaving only the 2 bottom bolts securing the swing arm.

I noticed some play in the joint when moving the arm from left to right,does anyone know how much play should be happening,I also understand that without the top bolts there is a lot less structure holding the triangle in place, but should there be any left and right movement, no matter how small.

No . I dont think there should be any play.

[fabes]

 

No . I dont think there should be any play.

Let the people who know what they talking about reply to this. Head off back to the chit chat section

[Vetseun]

Let the people who know what they talking about reply to this. Head off back to the chit chat section

Im reporting you for baiting.

[Sidmouth]

Anyone with experience or in the know have ideas about this

[carbon29er]

As a triangle with a rear clamping point (the axle) there will always when you remove one part.

 

The reason Syntace invented the 142x12 rear axle was to reduce the rear movement as much as is possible.

 

The real test of play is with everything mounted, can you move the rear axle sideways?

[Josh0]

I am no expert, but at least I have a Mech Eng degree. I have not taken my seatstays? off my Stumpy FSR yet, but I know that the bearings themselves would have a small amount of play side to side.

 

How old is your bike?

[Cruz Addict]

if there is side to side play the bearings or bushings are probably worn, you should replace asap as the side to side movement is not what the frame is designed to handle, while it may not lead to a failure i am pretty sure its going to cause faster wear which will cause more play and eventually a break of some sorts.

 

i am no engineer though i just know from taking my rear triangle apart the other day( on a ransom though not spez)

[Cassie]

Looks like there is zero play between vettes & fabes?? Should it be like that??

 

hat, coat, door....

 

I'm no engineer...but suspension pivots, bearings etc...should have no play...when fully mounted...loose, might be a different story?

[Sidmouth]

HI

I kind of agree with both comments.

There is a small amount of play side to side, just a click click, maybe 0.50 millimetres, I am hoping that when the top screws and suspension is back that this added structure will stop the movement, The bike is 2.5 years old and all these bearings were replace last year May, or about 2800KM ago.

[Josh0]

I agree with yall. There should definitely be no play when the whole rear suspension is assembled. But when you wiggle the seatstay on its own, it might have some play side to side. With cartridge bearings the inner ring does have some play inside the outer ring.

[Josh0]

HI

I kind of agree with both comments.

There is a small amount of play side to side, just a click click, maybe 0.50 millimetres, I am hoping that when the top screws and suspension is back that this added structure will stop the movement, The bike is 2.5 years old and all these bearings were replace last year May, or about 2800KM ago.

 

That amount of play does not sound bad at all, the distance that you have covered is another story. I guess it depends how rough those last 2800kms were? Are the bearings at least still smooth running?

[Sidmouth]

I agree

My rear suspension is back from Specialized today, Dropped it Monday back Wednesday, not bad.

I will mount and monitor the play on full assembly, I hope I feel no wiggle

[droo]

If you've just taken the shock off there shouldn't be any play, and moving the swingarm through its range should feel smooth with no notchiness.

 

If you find play or indexing, strip the whole assembly and replace any gritty or wobbly bearings.

[Sidmouth]

OK put it all back together, there is a small amount of play coming from the lower pivot joins.

I think I will have to get this sorted soon

[porqui]

OK put it all back together, there is a small amount of play coming from the lower pivot joins.

I think I will have to get this sorted soon

 

Just replace the bearings - easy peasy!