Water retention!

[Paul-Kent]

I planned to adjust my chain today. As I went about undoing the adjusters I noticed some water dripping from the swing arm

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/07fc5ed460f05ed35d08c04d9754d5f9.jpg

As the nuts became looser so the flow increased

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/ceaf681072496fecbddb84df72c3d67f.jpg

When it was all apart I saw that the adjuster had become furry with what I can imagine is road salt and all the other crap that's got in there

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/9f56c44b74e79f64d14e8f8f13b74812.jpg

http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/06/211b1cd19e4115b47cf25fd33f68608f.jpg

Is there anyway of keeping the water out or is it best to keep an eye on it?

I've cleaned it all up, regressed bits and next weekend I'll refit the rest as the caps we so rusty I had to wire brush and repaint them.

The left side was not as bad as the right, I can only guess because that's the way it leans on the stand

Opinions welcomed

[Stu]

drill a small hole in the bottom to allow it out?

its pretty common this sort of thing and the hardest part is keeping it out!

[fq-craigus]

You wont keep the water out but can help it out with a small hole on the underside like stu says.

[Dav3y]

Given the style of bike it is, do you off road with it and submerse the back end in mud/water ?

If you do, plenty of grease on the block and inside the swing arm and on the threads may be the answer to help keep water out.

If you don't, then the above along with a small hole in the caps as suggested above to allow water out has got to help.

[Joeman]

Pump it full of expanding foam maybe?

[onesea]

It would not surprise me looking at the "road salt and all the other crap" if its actually the start of corrosion due to electrolysis (Galvionic corrosion). When alloys corrode the residue often looks like salt...

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xzLqXxXiYJQ/TuUeHeeeLEI/AAAAAAAACKU/e5XMu8DW6Do/s1600/7346-7406-MAST+CORROSION+COMBO.jpg

Quite common on boats where alloys meet, make sure any rubber/ plastic/ washers/ gaskets inserts are in place...

http://image.thefabricator.com/a/protecting-magnesium-alloys-from-corrosion-magnesium-alloy-plate.jpg

[Guest]

my strategy would be to drill a hole for drainage.. but with a lot of care. you dont want to compromise its structural integrity.

once that is done.. i would use WD40 to flush any water out.. and then give it a really good going over with ACF - which will provide a barrier between the metal and anything that gets in there.. worst of which is salty water.

[RantMachine]

I had some slight problems with mine, cleaned it out with some WD40 and thoroughly greased the hell out of everything - no problems since then!

[Paul-Kent]

I've done the wd 40 flush out, I'll grease everything up next weekend when I'm back out in the shed.

The electrolysis theory is also very valid as the Ali/ steel has no insulation.

Now I have a centre stand fitted I'm hoping that this shouldn't be so bad in the future as the hole won't be quite so easy for rainwater to get in.

I will certainly be keeping an eye on it from no on though

[JRH]

once that is done.. i would use WD40 to flush any water out.. and then give it a really good going over with ACF - which will provide a barrier between the metal and anything that gets in there.. worst of which is salty water.

 

Or fining and waxol. If you can still get it.

[Paul-Kent]

Wax oil! Why didn't I think of that, especially as I drive a Land Rover !