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Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:17 am
by dx400r
Hi All,

Been putting my the vifffer all back together and stuff - doing the swingarm bearings - managed to get the ball type bearings out no problem (socket + short extension bar + long extension bar + hammer :lol:) but I have come unstuck on getting the needle roller bearings on the other side out.

It just seems a total bugger as it seems to have no surface to hit from behind.

Can anyone shed any light on removing it without any special kit?


Thanks in advance,
dx4

Re: Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 9:55 am
by GF Racing
Internal lipped bearing puller set - I use a gearbox set from my race car days - SNAP ON sell them.

Now I know that may not help- but if you have a new one just sacrifice the old one when removing - freeze the new - warm the SA and press in the new bearing from its thrust side.

Re: Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 2:02 pm
by amorti
Or remove it destructively, as long as you don't need it as a pattern to buy a new one from. The needle bearing cage will usually distort and come out that way on the few times I've had to do this.

Re: Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 12:23 am
by dx400r
Well at least I know what I am looking for so thanks :D

Been trying to remove it destructively already. Just not sure how exactly to attack it... been trying to cut across it.. shall get more nasty with it with the multitool :P

Re: Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Mon Dec 15, 2008 10:07 am
by amorti
Take this suggestion at your own risk!
I have removed one by banging a thin chisel in behind it, it simply folded the cage in. It' quite thin, and quite weak, as you can see if you have the new bearing there to look at. Sawing a line in to the outer lip of the cage would probably weakn it even further and as such be a good idea. Be aware there is a good chance you will mark the bearing seat at least a little bit. I did this on steel swingarms, it may be (even) less advisable on alloy arms.
If you already have the arm out, perhaps you should just take it to any back street mechanic, car or bike, as they will have a bearing puller and probably do it for a 6 pack.

Re: Removing Swingarm Needle Roller Bearings

Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 12:56 am
by dx400r
amorti wrote:It' quite thin
Wish I had have realised this... before I ended up cutting 1.5mm into the bearing seat :(

New swingarm time.
An expensive lesson learned :cry: