Anyone got any tips on removing the needle bearings in the RVF dog bone link? Do they sit up against a ridge inside that prevents you knocking them out?

Tony,

I have not removed them, but it looks like they sit up against a shoulder, as the service tool is an internally expanding puller with slide hammer attachment.

They pull out, not pushed or knocked out.

I have not tried it, but maybe an expanding Rawl Bolt and studding with a a heavy tube may work.
The picture just shows the idea, some bits I found in the shed to assemble for the picture, not something I have used.
Lock 2 nuts [0r weld 1] on the studding to turn it, and file 2 flats on the rawlbolt to grip it to stop it turning.

It will cost little to try, just need the correct diameter RAWL bolt, there are a few different types some split end, some with sprung wired loose fitting side cheeks pulled up with a threaded tapered cone.

Yeah i see what you mean now ive looked it up in the manual, are these tools not available to buy? i dont think my blue peter effort would stand up to much abuse :)

Perhaps I've missed something, but could you not use a blind bearing puller?

You should be able to make something that works, if not, then David Silver sells the puller,

Remover £30
Handle £6
Weight £59,
plus vat and carriage.

I expect there is standard pattern tool available a bit cheaper.

or - fit the rawl bolt, and expand.

Then, use a drift from the other side and a BFH, and it'll come out? Can't see why you need a slide hammer type affair for this job, it's not a blind hole.

Or am I being thick?

Yes, you are right, a drift is easier to find/make than a slide hammer.

I made this at work one day from an old 10mm wheel axle I had knocking around. I needed a drift to get some cartridge bearings out of a hub.
Sorry about the quality of the photo. I just cut a slot down the length using a hacksaw, and then flared the ends out a little. It works by drawing the whole thing backwards through the centre of the bearing, and then the two halves spring out behind it and give a nice even contact with the bearing face for you to tap it out. I wonder if you could make something similar out of a suitable size of bolt or rod? Just a thought.

All sorted now cheers for all the replys, ended up giving it to timon to press out while he has a load of bits for blasting