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.

I push mine in slowly with the appropriate sized socket and a large g-clamp.

Draper G Clamp

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.

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.

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.

Use the old ones as an enlarged washer

Or stick the frame part in pan of boiling water for 10 minutes to ‘expand’ it

such as?

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. 🙂

Are you trying to get them in one at a time or both together?

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.

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.

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. [/quote]
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.

Slowly with a drift working round works for me

Bearings should be pressed, but never ever hammered, or even tapped in.

I have been known to take mine to a bike shop give someone £30 and they come back straight and true

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.

Bearings should be pressed, but never ever hammered, or even tapped in

Why?

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 😉

If you tap it in by the outer race it should be ok then?

… 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 🙂