99 Specialized FSR Swing arm crack - Repair/replace?

[Cloverleaf]

That's the advantage of the more flexible weld. Obviously if there's a new one there then that's a no brainer, but I've had longer out of some rewelded frames than they lasted with the original welds. The silicone seems to allow for some elasticity in the join and reduces stress on the surrounding metalwork. The welder who 'taught' me that trick has done some pretty impressive stuff in his career across the motorsport and aerospace industries. Like I said, not perfect, but I've never had one fail on me.

 

[bikeworkshop]

That's the advantage of the more flexible weld. Obviously if there's a new one there then that's a no brainer, but I've had longer out of some rewelded frames than they lasted with the original welds. The silicone seems to allow for some elasticity in the join and reduces stress on the surrounding metalwork. The welder who 'taught' me that trick has done some pretty impressive stuff in his career across the motorsport and aerospace industries. Like I said, not perfect, but I've never had one fail on me.

If it's your only option to keep a beloved piece riding it must be worth a try - if you can find a tig welder with enough finesse.

There's quite a few bikes that had a massive weak spot - almost worth "repairing" before they broke!

But if you can replace the failed piece with an unbroken one, your bike will hold more value.

We value most repaired frames as scrap, even if they can still provide years of use.

 

[rooksfoot]

Hi monkeyshred... im the guy you were chatting to in the YT comments...as ive discovered the 98and 99 chainstays are different... but the 98 should fit with the original non cartridge bushings which i can include.... you would actually being upgrading the 99 to the chainstay design that didnt break/crack all the time....

 

[rooksfoot]

There is also a spacer required and possibly a shim .. that isnt in the photos buit i knows it there in a parts bin somewhere... and il strip down one of my other FSRs to check all the pieces are there and do some more pics to aid assembly and a pic of the mainframes lug/pivot point with a tape measure on it so u can check it gonna fit......

 

[BGR1978]

Hi,
I've restored 40 FSRs. The chainstays aren't compatible between the "wonky" ones and the "crack" ones. they've got different fixings to the frame and aren't able to be retrofitted. Spesh realised they'd made a mistake in late 99 and made chainstays with a smaller diameter hole.
I've had the same issue and had the chainstay sleeved as suggested, rewelded then heat-treated on my S-Works DS replica. I weigh a lot and it's held up fine. It cost £40 from my local old man with dungarees and an apron.
I've got buckets of spare parts for these, including bearings etc.
Any 1999 FSR, XC, Rockhopper etc would be good as a donor for the stays, but you can't use 98 on a 99 frame or vice versa.
Alternatively, I've got a Rockhopper FSR frame in the garage waiting to be built, so I could do a deal on all the bits if you're looking to sell. Or on the FSR Rockhopper frame if you want to buy it?

 

[BGR1978]

Hi,
I've restored 40 FSRs. The chainstays aren't compatible between the "wonky" ones and the "crack" ones. they've got different fixings to the frame and aren't able to be retrofitted. Spesh realised they'd made a mistake in late 99 and made chainstays with a smaller diameter hole.
I've had the same issue and had the chainstay sleeved as suggested, rewelded then heat-treated on my S-Works DS replica. I weigh a lot and it's held up fine. It cost £40 from my local old man with dungarees and an apron.
I've got buckets of spare parts for these, including bearings etc.
Any 1999 FSR, XC, Rockhopper etc would be good as a donor for the stays, but you can't use 98 on a 99 frame or vice versa.
Alternatively, I've got a Rockhopper FSR frame in the garage waiting to be built, so I could do a deal on all the bits if you're looking to sell. Or on the FSR Rockhopper frame if you want to buy it?

Or, I may have another chainstay in the parts box. I bought two or three frames when I built this one.