NORGE CARC BEARINGS

[i HONK]

During the process of removing the engine/transmission (not that bad of a job) I inspected the bearing in the CARC unit and discovered bearing failure on the driveshaft side. The 2007 Norge has ~ 60,000 trouble free miles until an oil leak, rear main seal gave me the opportunity to remove the engine/gear box unit.
I suspect that this bearing could be an item that needs attention at higher mileage. The opposite bearing is "like new".

[youcanrunnaked]

Could this be part of that bad batch of CARC bearings from early 2007 production, or is this something else?

[Bisbonian]

So this is like a pinion bearing?
Having the bearing on the parts breakout of the swingarm is confusing me.

[i HONK]

The bearings(2) in question are item #7.  I have no way of telling if the bearings are from a "bad" batch.  There is no identificatin on the bearing.  Also removing the CARC is very simple and easily done.
Randy

[Bisbonian]

The bearings(2) in question are item #7.  I have no way of telling if the bearings are from a "bad" batch.  There is no identificatin on the bearing.  Also removing the CARC is very simple and easily done.
Randy

I've got you now, when I think of the CARC I consider only the final drive unit that the wheel bolts to.

[acogoff]

    So this is one of the swingarms pivot bearings? And is/are there bad seal/seals involved on this bearing or just no grease from the factory?

[i HONK]

Good question?  The left side bearing had grease and was in excellent condition.  The right side(drive shaft) was failed, the seal was still there and in good condition.  I really think that dirt found its way in, but maybe this bearing is to heavily loaded and will require periodic inspection, and re-lubing.  Like i said, it's an easy job that I think could be done on the center stand withouy any major issues.

Randy

[pyoungbl]

If it's #7 then it is a swingarm bearing, not a CARC bearing.  The swingarm bearings are known to be under lubricated from the factory.  Enough of us have discovered relatively dry swingarm bearings, at fairly low mileages, that this is clearly something that should be part of a normal maintenance check...but it is not on any Guzzi checklist I have seen to date.  I plan to do mine every 15~20K miles.  60K miles on OP's bike is pretty impressive considering the lack of grease on these bearings.

Peter Y.

[Wayne Orwig]

The right hand SWINGARM bearing also failed due to rust on my Stelvio.
Leafman did a write up a short while back on how to grease the bearings. nice 8x10 gloss photos and all.  :BEER:

[Vasco DG]

While you're in there push the bushes out of the shock linkage, (One at a time, over a tray with a lip covered in clean rag to catch errant rollers.) and check them for grease too, and the linkage pivot to the frame, same deal. They'll probably be dry as the Kalahari desert too.

Pete

[guzzi ride]

While you're in there push the bushes out of the shock linkage, (One at a time, over a tray with a lip covered in clean rag to catch errant rollers.) and check them for grease too, and the linkage pivot to the frame, same deal. They'll probably be dry as the Kalahari desert too.

Pete

I did mine last year on my 08 Norge and YES almost bone dry. It's a very easy job to due. Guess this year I had better do the swing arm bearing.

[i HONK]

Pete,
Thanks for the heads up on the shock linkage bearings I'll be doing that later today after getting the snow blower out to do the drive again.  There's no rush in getting the bike back together as we have ~ 4' of snow!

Randy

[i HONK]

The suspension needle bearing are in EXCELLENT condition. I simply cleaned and re-lubed all of them.  Very straight forward job with no surprises.

Now in disperate need of the CLUTCH SPLINE LOADING TOOL.  The main bearing seal is replaced and I'm ready to move on and start the re-assembly.

Can anyone help with the loan or rent of this tool? contact me with a PM.

Randy

[blackcat]

I finally got around to inspecting the swing arm bearings on my 07 Norge with a little over 50,000 miles on the bike and they both had grease!  The drive line side had a little less grease but it was fine.And the shock linkage also had grease so I must have gotten a bike built on a Tuesday. Not a difficult job, but not something I'd want to do all the time but I guess I will take a look in another year or so.

[lucian]

Definitely an item worth inspecting. My 09 griso was short on grease at only 3000 miles when I fist checked it out. Thanks to Leafman for bringing this to our attention and providing an excellent tutorial on the procedure. I think not only the lack of grease during assembly but the hostile location of the bearings warrant a watchful eye. Also the slit for the pinch bolts in the swing arm casting provide an easy point of entry for water and road filth, the seals really aren't that tight. I did seal up that slit with RTV after reassembly. Next on the lists will be the steering head bearings. I don't know why but I actually enjoy wrenching on this M.G. I think the reassurance of all the members here is a huge factor. Best of luck with the Norge project.