How do I get my bea...
 

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[Closed] How do I get my bearings in straight?

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Main pivot bearings - they pressed out ok with a bit of threaded rod and appropriate sockets but the little toenips don't want to go back in. They keep favouring one side or the other. Anyone got any tips?
I just walked away before I make a big mess.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 6:26 pm
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I push mine in slowly with the appropriate sized socket and a large g-clamp.

[url= https://www.amazon.co.uk/Draper-51954-150mm-G-Clamp/dp/B0002BUUNO ]Draper G Clamp[/url]


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 6:42 pm
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It can help to freeze them overnight too.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 6:50 pm
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If you have a hot air gun , give whatever the bearing is going into a good heat (even better with alloy). That & a frozen bearing usually drops in.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 6:54 pm
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Thanks, guys. Bearings in the freezer and rear triangle by the radiator (instead of in the freezing cellar) overnight. I'll let you know how it goes tomorrow.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:01 pm
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It can help to freeze them overnight too.

If you have a hot air gun , give whatever the bearing is going into a good heat (even better with alloy). That & a frozen bearing usually drops in.

Both really good tips. Use a hair dryer if you don't own a heat gun.
If you are going to service your own FS bikes I can honestly say that a bearing press is one of the best buys you can make.
There are good bike specific ones out there for not a great deal of money.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:11 pm
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Use the old ones as an enlarged washer


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:12 pm
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Or stick the frame part in pan of boiling water for 10 minutes to 'expand' it


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:13 pm
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[quote=mikedabear ]
There are good bike specific ones out there for not a great deal of money.

such as?


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:13 pm
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such as?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bike-bearing-press-for-pivot-and-bb30-bearings-/322361124402?hash=item4b0e386632:g:d3wAAOSwnOJWFQm0
for instance.
I would even suggest investing in a bearing puller and then you can service or change any bearing on any bike you own for the rest of your riding days. 🙂


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 7:58 pm
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Are you trying to get them in one at a time or both together?


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 8:02 pm
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What makes that bike specific other than the word bike in the eBay title ?

It's just a bolt and some thick washers.

I have similar spacers I use with my floor standing press.

They didn't cost 25 quid and go from 10mm to 42mm just ALU disks

281751939405 is eBay number for what I have as eBay app is crap.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 8:28 pm
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One at a time using the old bearing as a "press". Definitely a job where the correct tools make a difference. Those ebay ones look good for the money. I'll find a decent puller for next time too - any recommendations? The Superstar ones in my size are sold out.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 8:28 pm
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What makes that bike specific other than the word bike in the eBay title ?

The bushings match the sizes you will find in bike construction.
And not every one has a floor standing press handy.
It's just a bolt and some thick washers.

The "thick washers" are made of plastic and are matched exactly to the bearing size.
I personally have something more extensive and expensive but some thing like this is ideal for the home bike mechanic.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 8:41 pm
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Slowly with a drift working round works for me


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 10:40 pm
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Bearings should be pressed, but never ever hammered, or even tapped in.


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 10:42 pm
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I have been known to take mine to a bike shop give someone £30 and they come back straight and true


 
Posted : 28/12/2016 10:44 pm
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All done - pressed not hammered. They didn't just drop in though.
New tools for next time without a doubt.
I can highly recommend TFT's press for shock hardware - works a treat.


 
Posted : 29/12/2016 3:56 pm
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Bearings should be pressed, but never ever hammered, or even tapped in

Why?


 
Posted : 29/12/2016 6:24 pm
 JAG
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Why?

Because the impact of a hammer can cause damage to the bearing race surface and you'll end up with a rough bearing before the bike event turns a wheel.

Does kinda depend how you hit it though 😆

Hhmm just realised I'm assuming ball-bearings and I guess you may have plain bearings 😉


 
Posted : 29/12/2016 9:40 pm
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If you tap it in by the outer race it should be ok then?


 
Posted : 29/12/2016 10:07 pm
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... assuming you only load the outer edge of the race and don't slip ...

Applying equal force with a press is much safer for the bearing. The proper tools can be had for cheap enough that you may not save money over paying a shop the first time you use them, but by the second use you're definitely in front and with a better life expectancy for your bearings 🙂


 
Posted : 30/12/2016 12:49 am