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XJ550 back end wobble

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Hamie, Jul 9, 2021.

  1. Hamie

    Hamie New Member

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    I have a 83 XJ550 Maxim

    Lately ive noticed at speed if i hit a bump or even a decent crack I notice the back end wobble quite a bit.
    Makes me quite nervous as you can imagine.
    Does anyone know what would cause that?
    Im assuming bushings or something worn?
    If so does anyone have any links to rebuild kits. Ive done some research but havent been able to find much.

    Thanks in advance.
     
    Hamie, Jul 9, 2021
    #1
  2. Toomanybikes

    Toomanybikes Well-Known Member

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    Have you check the steering head bearings? They can cause a speed wobble.
    Bike on center stand small jack under engine and lift front end a couple of inches. Swing handle bar slowly back and forth for any notches. Next grab forks just above front axle and pull back and forth gently for any slop.
    Rear wheel left to right slack.
    Last thing are tires worn unevenly?
     
    Toomanybikes, Jul 9, 2021
    #2
    Hamie likes this.
  3. Hamie

    Hamie New Member

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    There doesnt seem to be any slop at all while on the centre stand. Front or rear.
    As for the tires i only have 100kms on them but they look pretty even across wear wise
     
    Hamie, Jul 9, 2021
    #3
  4. Franz

    Franz Well-Known Member

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    Grab swinging arm on both sides and try to lift and push it down to check the bushes. Check for any oil leaking.
     
    Franz, Jul 9, 2021
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  5. Mechanic1978

    Mechanic1978 Active Member

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    sounds like these gentlemen have you on the right path...

    wheel bearings bad, wheel axle nut loose... steering head/neck bearings bad or loose, also the swingarm bushings and or the loose bolt. and worn or low tire pressure will do it too... low rear tire makes it feel like your riding on gum lol
     
    Mechanic1978, Jul 9, 2021
    #5
  6. lostboy

    lostboy Well-Known Member

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    Look down the chain and make sure it is straight. This will tell you if the rear wheel sitting correctly in the swing arm. Make sure the axle is at the same marks on both sides.
     
    lostboy, Jul 9, 2021
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  7. Mechanic1978

    Mechanic1978 Active Member

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    I'm curious, explain this wobble some more.... Has any rear /or any work been done recently?
    you positive its in rear?
     
    Mechanic1978, Jul 9, 2021
    #7
  8. cds1984

    cds1984 Well-Known Member

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    Definitely worth, pulling the rear swingarm and checking the bearings.
    Unless you've already done it.
    Pretty cheap to replace and well worth the effort, even easier on a chain drive I reckon!

    Mine had a bad thread on the adjustable stub side and after fixing that I can actually ride at idle in 1st gear, in bad traffic, without wobbling all over the place like a drunken fiend.
     
    cds1984, Jul 12, 2021
    #8

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