There is some play in the back end of my Fritzz…im guessing i need a new bushing set for the shock..whilst trying to suss which bushing has gone i noticed that in the rear suspension pivot (the Horst Link), there is a washer missing – just one, that sits between the bearing and the frame. 3 of the 4 washers are in place (ie 2 on the drivetrain side and 1 on the non drivetrain side) . Basically i want to know will it cause any harm if i leave it as it is? im not sure whether the washer is there to prevent crap getting into the bearing or whether its there to prevent frame wear – i know next to sodall about these things…can i just leave it or is it desperate i find a replacement?

I would get it replaced before you ride it next, any play in the back end of the bike is going to put extra stresses on the frame itself. The washers themselves can wear over time and are there to stop bits of frame rubbing together.

That’s a girl’s ruler.