2018 EC300 Linkage Slop
 

Anyone else with a 2018 linkage bearings already need to be replaced?

My bike has 15 hours on it. I greased linkage when a received the bike. Felt nice and tight Fast forward 15 hours... It already clunks when bike is on stand and I pull up on the rear wheel.

Anyone else have this issue on a 2018?

Just tore it all down... on the bottom link that attached to the frame, nearly all of the roller bearings are missing the ends that keep them in the cage... About 10 still have the ends still in tack.

Wow. I will have to check mine out.

I change all the bearing at 10h. I had the same problem

That is bizarre. I ride that crap out of my 2011 and all I do clean and regrease them. It still has the original bearings.

Do the 18’s still use o-ring and washer seals or standard seals?

The 2013 went back to standard seals... I'd guess the 2018 probably has too.

IMO the caged rollers like that don't have as many needles to share the load across and never hold up as well in service as the loose needles that are packed in with grease.

I have noticed my 13 has a bit of slop in the back end as well. I know I have the caged bearings too, and last time I pushed everything out to lube everything looked good.. Could be the same thing happening.

I've got 50 hours on my '18 and no issues.