Expert: Mike Wells - 10/8/2006

Question
after discovering that my bro "know it all"  had not allighned the shims/ rear-end  correct, I had to replace the chain {the other stretched} and cut a shim.  W/ the help of another bro "alligned" everything.  Soon after, my bearings went out and when disassembled, found to be shredded, the axle bolt has slight worn indenture/ rings around a couple areas, one adjuster slightly grinded, and my shim mangled, also, the axle covers were "coned" by force.  One side worse than other.  Could the bearing, if too small, inner to outer diam., have pushed out through that cover, can you tell me the adzact measurement for axle shim or shims, and could possibly my swing-arm be out of allignment?  The initial repair was to tap out my stripped S-A bolt and put a quick-change sleeve in.  last, could you tell me how to tell if my swing arm is bolted on even and plumb?

Answer
When replacing shims in the wheel bearings you have to have clearence. If you dont, and its to tight, you will burn the bearing up as well as the axle. Shims come in different widths. What you have to do is put the axle in the wheel and measure the end play. You have to have .002 end play on the bearing.
the only way your swing cound be out of plumb is if the breaings are wore out or the swing arm is bent.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike