Author Topic: How to remove needle bearings from 88-89 swingarm? (Read 3638 times)

mandom250r · « **on:** March 12, 2015, 05:53:01 PM »

I have 2 swingarms that i would like to refresh but dont know how to remove the needle bearings. I took my swingers to a machine/performance shop and just got a call they couldnt take them out because they didnt have anything that small to fit in there. Would like to know what kind of tools you all use.

JesseA420 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 12, 2015, 05:56:15 PM »

i just did mine 2 days ago, used a long brass rod so as to not gall up the inside of the swingarm and a hammer, and tapped them out from the opposite side with swingarm clamped into vice. do not hammer new ones in tho, press new ones in.

if the machine shop u took it to couldnt figure it out, thats not much of a machine shop lol.

mandom250r · « **Reply #2 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:01:07 PM »

i tried using the same technique with a screwdriver but found that my screwdriver was too short lol.

Skeans1 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:49:41 PM »

Socket and long extensions work great too

Pumashine · « **Reply #4 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:57:45 PM »

Always add heat, 200 degrees for 20 minutes. And they press in much easier at 200 degrees also

mandom250r · « **Reply #5 on:** March 12, 2015, 06:58:56 PM »

on my 89 swingarm it looks like someone tried to take them out but failed and only took out the needles and not the outer sleave. I dont think i can get a socket big enough to knock it out since the middle is tapered.

broken1 · « **Reply #6 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:06:27 PM »

One of my old co-workers had an 88 & he picked up one of these pullers at garbage freight. It worked like a charm:
http://t.harborfreight.com/blind-hole-bearing-puller-95987.html

mandom250r · « **Reply #7 on:** March 12, 2015, 07:16:29 PM »

garbage freight :lol: its funny but its true. Looks like im headed there tomorrow

2ndmoto · « **Reply #8 on:** March 12, 2015, 10:26:51 PM »

I have used a nut, bolt and washers with success

Best regards
-Jason

mandom250r · « **Reply #9 on:** March 12, 2015, 11:00:33 PM »

Quote from: 2ndmoto;51539

I have used a nut, bolt and washers with success

Best regards
-Jason

you have any pics for demonstration?

2ndmoto · « **Reply #10 on:** March 14, 2015, 12:17:26 AM »

I dont at this point. I still haven't moved my belongings down to Texas. You need washers that are the same diameter as the bearings.

1. cut/grind the washers so they are more oval shaped
2. Install washers onto bolt
3. Slip bolt head and washers through the bearings
4. Put washers and nut on bolt
5. as you tighten the bolt (will need a long extention to get the bolt head), it will pull the bearings out.

In this case a picture is worth a thousand words, cause it doesn't present well when written. It is an effective tool and didn't cost me anything. Just used spare nuts and bolts I had lying around.

Best regards
-Jason

dem3500 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 14, 2015, 07:04:38 AM »

I use a long rod. A metal dowel rod from the hardware store will work. Heat the swimger with a propane torch around where the bearing is for a min or two. I'm not heating it scorching hot just warming it. Like pumashine said he heats to 200 deg. Then they just tapped them out real easy. The end of the dowel needs a square edge to catch the bearing race real well so over time you will need to hit the end of the dowel with a grinder/ sander to square it back up.