Forum menu
does anybody know how I would go about replacing the swing arm bearings on my bike?
it is a 4-bar linkage and the bearings I need to replace are the ones that go in the hole in the swing arm where it bolts onto the seat tube. They look a bit like the middle ones in this picture
I've no idea how to get them out, and even less idea how to put the new ones in when I've got them.
I tried punching them out but it didn't move, just dented the rubber slightly!
as long as the bearing hasn't colapsed (you in trouble if it has), you want to punch it out by hitting the steel bit in the middle, which will cause the whole thing to be driven out (unless it's colapsed).
To fit the new replacements, use a socket that fits the [b]"outer"[/b] steel ring and bash it in.
Remember to put some oil on the bearing surface where it interfaces with the frame - a dry insertion is never fun 😉
It may help if you mentioned what frame it is
try to support the suspension arm/frame you're knocking the bearing out of so it's not exposed to more shear that necessary. Find something flat ended and as wide as will fit in the hole to do the drifting with - and you may find ear defenders useful - they make it easier to hit hard enough without thinking it's all going to shatter 🙂
When driving in the new bearing find something (like a socket) which only presses on the [b]outer [/b]race
Honestly - i'd get you're local bike shop to do it. They can fit the right bearings without damaging your frame - my local shop fits them for free if you buy the bearings from them.
It may help if you mentioned what frame it is
sorry, it's a canyon nerve ES 5.
Honestly - i'd get you're local bike shop to do it. They can fit the right bearings without damaging your frame - my local shop fits them for free if you buy the bearings from them.
yeah, I am seriously thinking of doing that. It's not the cost that i'm bothered about it's the fact that my normal bike shop JE james has got a FOUR WEEK waiting list, and i bet only one day's worth of all that is stuff that is more than elementary for folk like us.
there's another one that's not open on sunday so i'm already going to have to miss an audax i was going to do on saturday in order to go there.
And then i've got the fact that they might still say they can't do it yet.
I suppose it's the worst time of the year for bike servicing, as all the fair weather bumblers are digging their hybrids out of the garage where they've been all winter and finding the gears don't work. 🙄
If anyone knows any bike shops in the north of england that can do this sort of work that haven't got a waiting list let me know...moon on a stick yeah yeah i know. but still worth asking
All you need is appropriately sized sockets and a vice - did mine on my Giant VT last week - easy job
One way to do it would be to take a socket that is larger than the bearing, and a bolt that fits through the centre of the bearing with a nut for the end, and a couple of washers.
Put the socket over the bearing you want out, slide the bolt and a washer through the entire thing and place a washer and nut the other side of the bearing.
Then tighten the nut/bolt and the bearing will be pulled out of the frame and into the socket.