when to replace rear wheel dampers

[OldStan]

I have a question on the rear wheel dampers on my dream. There is some free play between the sprocket and the wheel. I know it is in the dampers, but is some free play normal, if so how much is too much?

[Narly9999]

not much. high miles on the bike? I would just replace them. If you find free play with your hand more then an 1/8 inch, I would switch them out. If they are like rocks or very hard unbendable rubber. I would swap them. If they are dry rotted and brittle I would swap them. I dunno. I do know you wouldn't want them to desintigrate on you in the drum. That would be messay! Just checked mine, less then 1/4 inch play. Seems fine to me. Houch hand free play does it have? It needs a little I think to keep friction down.

[OldStan]

Hard to say what the mileage is on the bike. The speedo had been replaced before I got it. Judging from the engine parts, probably quite a few miles on it. I measured the movement at the tip of the sprocket tooth. There is about 3/32" , so less than 1/8". I haven't pulled the wheel yet, but I'll make sure they're not coming apart.

[Narly9999]

Yeah, I've pulled a few apart on newer and NEW bikes, As long as they are doing their job and not dry rotted or falling apart. I would think the little free play is fine. They are there to help reduce chain wear and tire skidding I would think. So as long as their doing their job.... it's all good right? Never read anywhere about replacement info. Never looked either. It's very simular in function as clutch plate dampner springs, reduces the rough jolts. If ya get a chance to feel some newer ones you might deside to get new ones if you like a smoother shift and coil down from throttle. ;-) No deformities and not falling apart and rubbery is good in my book. Hard as a tire maybe a little more so.