Linkage bolts/nuts torque??

[mbrouk]

 

Ok so I've noticed if I tighten my bolts and nuts enough that hold all the linkage to the frame and to the uni track and to the rear shock, that it's alot harder for it to travel. So the question is... Is there a specific poundage that these should all be torqued to and if so then where do I find this??

[MXonaKawi]

Interesting topic. I'll throw a question in the ring too. How do you tighten it to a certain torque? By hand or with a machine?

[alward25]

Yes there is a certain torque, you must use a torque wrench.  The spec is in the manual.  Which bike are you working on, we might be able to get you the specs if you don't have a manual.

[mbrouk]

I have a 2007 kx250 2smoker

[KevinTwoStk]

Make sure to check out the bearings, inner sleeves, and the washers on the ends. These all get squeezed by the bolts, but if something's missing or out of order it will cause a tremendous amount of binding.

Are your bolts bent? This could be caused by running with the bolts loose. If you tighten up a bent bolt it will also cause the linkage to bind.

Torque specs for the '00 KX 125/250 linkage:

Rocker arm pivot nut: 83 Nm/61 lb-ft
Rear shock lower mounting bolt: 34 Nm/25 lb-ft
Tie rod mounting nut: 83 Nm/61 lb-ft
Swingarm pivot shaft nut: 98 Nm/72 lb-ft

While your bike's torque specs may not be identical, this should illustrate that you should be able to tighten up the bolts substantially without the suspension binding. Your best bet is probably to take apart your linkage and make sure things are not bent and that they are assembled in the correct order.