Hi all need a bit of advice regarding my Trek Remedy as it has developed play in the rocker link.

I have stripped it down and the bearings need replacing as they are all seized. However the bearing in main pivot on the drive side of the seat tube just falls out. So I think this is where the play is coming from.

I can just put my little finger in the bearing and pull it out which isn’t good.

Other than trying to get a slightly bigger bearing is there anything else that can be done?

Thanks photo link below

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Er75CguW4AEn15_?format=jpg&name=small

Maybe loctite641

The play is most likely down to worn bearings so I’d just get new bearings. If it’s due to the bearing moving in the bore you may need 7new frame!

Bearing retaining compound should sort it (provided it’s not massively worn), RS components version is way cheaper than Loctite’s, and seems to work just as well.

Tricky one without being able to see how much play there is. If the outer race is only loose enough to remove by hand Loctite bearing adhesive could be a good solution.

If the bearing housing in the frame is significantly oversize or distorted then it’s going to be more difficult & probably be a specialist job. A bodge involving a shim or a bearing with a larger outside diameter might be possible.

Thanks for the suggestions. Its definitely not just play in the bearings, its like the bearing has worn away the housing so it has become loose. To put it into some perspective the bearing doesn’t just fall out if you tilt the frame over. However you can pull it out with your little finger. I reckon its only about a 1 mm gap if you move it around in the housing.

I have also noticed play in the lower shock bushings which will get replaced.

The bike is just over 3 years old and is ridden a lot. I think I will try and pack it with something before pressing in the new bearings to reduce anymore damage. Or just buy a new frame 🙂

As said above, use bearing retaining compound.

Shame you left it so long Chris.You could use some old feeler gauges with stud or bearing lock to take out the play.Use one top and bottom of the bearing to make sure its centralised.Please remove seal of new bearing and pack with grease before using,this will extend service life.

Paint the bearing recess with a few coats before pushing the bearing back in.

If the bearing housing really has elongated/opened up to create 1mm of play then it’s toast. Bearings are normally pressed which means an interference fit or close to that depending on how tightly toleranced the frame is.
1mm of play is huge in this situation so I hope for your sake it’s an exaggeration.

Get some new bearings, same size, and some bearing retaining compound as has already been suggested, hopefully that’ll fix it.
Then make sure you check your bolts are all tightened up before every ride, takes 20 seconds for a quick check, as this could be the cause of the issue.