Got the linkage off pretty easily, but how do I get the needle bearings out without the proper tool?
They're frozen in a bit and it looks like there's a stop that prevents the two bearings being pressed in too far. So I can't get a drift in.
Anyone got any tips? Couldn't find anything in the link servicing post.
Swing arm linkage help needed
- freeridenick
- Posts: 1660
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 1:30 pm
- Location: Derbyshire
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
With a long thin drift you can get in to knock one side out then the other side is easier to do.freeridenick wrote:Got the linkage off pretty easily, but how do I get the needle bearings out without the proper tool?
They're frozen in a bit and it looks like there's a stop that prevents the two bearings being pressed in too far. So I can't get a drift in.
Anyone got any tips? Couldn't find anything in the link servicing post.
Can't remember what I did mine with but it was something like a bar from a socket set for a 1/4 inch drive T bar. A long flat blade screwdriver would do the trick.
Making up since 2007, sometimes it's true...Honest...
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
Made a tool to drift out bearings. Stepped end to fit inside old bearing. Shouldn't be anything to stop bearings being pushed out. Pm your email & i can send a picture. 

Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
Heat will help, too.
The aluminium alloy housing will expand more then the steel bearing.
The aluminium alloy housing will expand more then the steel bearing.
It's not falling off, it's an upgrade opportunity.
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
A heat gun should do, you would be surprised how good they are for jobs like that.
Handy to warm your hands too
Handy to warm your hands too

- freeridenick
- Posts: 1660
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 1:30 pm
- Location: Derbyshire
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
So I should be able to drift both bearings out the same side? I wouldn't do that, but there's nothing to stop the bearings moving too far towards the middle. Just so I'm clear.
I'll give them a good soaking in WD40 and see what happens. The bolt was easy to get out compared with some I've read about on here.
Thanks everyone.
I'll give them a good soaking in WD40 and see what happens. The bolt was easy to get out compared with some I've read about on here.
Thanks everyone.
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
I took a stubborn seized bearing to bike shop which had a hydraulic press to remove it and put a new one in.
It may be that your whole purpose in life is simply to serve as a warning to others.
VTR Firestorm and other bikes t-shirts

Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
[quote="freeridenick"]So I should be able to drift both bearings out the same side? I wouldn't do that, but there's nothing to stop the bearings moving too far towards the middle. Just so I'm clear.
I'll give them a good soaking in WD40 and see what happens. The bolt was easy to get out compared with some I've read about on here.
Thanks everyone.[/quote]
No you do them one side each.
Poke your chosen drifting implement through one bearing to knock the other one out then turn it over & drift out the remaining one.
I'll give them a good soaking in WD40 and see what happens. The bolt was easy to get out compared with some I've read about on here.
Thanks everyone.[/quote]
No you do them one side each.
Poke your chosen drifting implement through one bearing to knock the other one out then turn it over & drift out the remaining one.
Making up since 2007, sometimes it's true...Honest...
- freeridenick
- Posts: 1660
- Joined: Fri May 23, 2014 1:30 pm
- Location: Derbyshire
Re: Swing arm linkage help needed
No joy after much soaking in WD40 and some 'gentle persuasion', so I took it to my local garage. Sorted in half an hour.
When they went, they went with a bang apparently, so there's no way I'd have got them out at home.
Back on the bike this weekend hopefully.
When they went, they went with a bang apparently, so there's no way I'd have got them out at home.
Back on the bike this weekend hopefully.
