Why does my Haynes workshop manual tell me to change my pivot for the later type with circlips? I've got to remove it so if it's a recommended mod I'll change it I just wanted to know the reason behind it. Also does anyone hire out the tool for removing the closing rocker arms if not where can I buy one (cheap!). Thanks in advance Gary
They probably tell you that because either........ a) Ducati had a spindle work it's way out because some dealer t*t didn't do the swingarm clamps up tight enough.......or, b) Some t*t at Haynes ditto.........or, c) Some t*t having used a Haynes manual ditto. All the early carbed SSs didn't have circlips and many still don't........also because of that, there are different lengths of spindles depending on whether a steel or aluminium swingarm is fitted. To give you a rough guide, the '97 SS with the steel swingarm spindle has circlips and the length of the spindle isn't long enough to accommodate circlips when an aluminium swingarm is fitted (it is exactly the same length as overall the ally swingarm at the clamps). Do the clamps up to the required torque and stick the plastic end plugs in, then keep an eye on the plugs.......if a gap starts appearing between the head of the plug and the swingarm, the clamps need tightening. However, because I have an ally swingarm and the shorter spindle (circlip grooves not visible) I am seriously thinking of drilling the spindle and the swingarm boss right on the edge and lockwiring it..........largely because I keep forgetting to look at the plastic plugs. Mdinia Italy have the tool you need but I reckon it is bl**dy expensive.........why someone hasn't knocked out a few at a lower cost I don't know.........If I could borrow one or someone gave me the dimensions, I would make my own.
