The race in the frame wasn't much better. Needless to say, it was cleaned up and lubed prior to reassembly. So, if you haven't looked at yours lately it may be worth the effort. I shudder to think of one frozen in place. It's not water proof down there!
Along the same lines, I found the same thing at the swing arm support bushings, but fortunately not as bad. But note here, that these have to be PULLED out to remove the swing arm, and they are a PRECISE fit in the frame. It takes a 6x1.25 mm bolt, if I remember correctly, threaded into the bushing to remove them. If these had been rusted as badly as the rear axle, I wouldn't be sitting here writing about it now. I would still be trying to get them out.
To clean these, I used wet-dry sandpaper, lightly oiled, 260 and 320 grit followed by steel wool. A hard lesson for me. Make it easy on yourself, check yours before it's too late!
