How to remove swingarm bearings?

[bj]

I need to remove the swingarm bearings on my '78 GS750C to have the swingarm powder coated. My Clymer manual says that special tools are required and that the task should be left to a Suzuki technician. Anyone know what the deal is with removing and replacing these bearings?

[Road_Clam]

Re: How to remove swingarm bearings?

I need to remove the swingarm bearings on my '78 GS750C to have the swingarm powder coated. My Clymer manual says that special tools are required and that the task should be left to a Suzuki technician. Anyone know what the deal is with removing and replacing these bearings?

They are pressed in. You will need a press to really do it right. I once rigged up a "puller" out of threaded rod and hardware. The rod needs to go through both sides on the swingarm. One end needs to have a large washer and nut (goes over the swingarm). The other end you need a washer(s) that will pull on the bearing only. This is a crude method, but works. Use some propane heat on the swingarm to allow the bearings to come out easier. Make absolutely sure there is no inside machined shoulder in the bores of the swingarm preventing the bearings from being pulled.

[bj]

Thanks. Sounds easier to just take it to my local shop to remove them before powder coating and to insert them after.

[outofcontrol]

I've also used a 1/2" drive extension and a 18mm (or whatever fits snug) socket. don't use your good stuff!! Put the swingarm on a piece of wood on the ground and smack that extension with the "persuader" (16lb sledge hammer).

It's back yard mechanics, but that's how we do it.

You might screw them up this way, but you have to replace the bearings anyway.

You'd be amazed how well the propane heat works for this kind of thing. If you're going to put the new bearings in yourself, put them in the freezer first, and heat up the swingarm with the propane. a little grease and you can almost push them in with your fingers.
-K

[kiwijetpilot]

The other way to do it - if they simply won't budge - is to remove the rollers, then get in there with a Dremel and a cutting disc, and VERY, VERY CAREFULLY cut a helical groove (ie like a spiral, or peeling an apple) in the bearing wall. The trick is to grind into it just enough to weaken it, don't grind through it into the swingarm!

Once you have your groove, tap it a few times with a flat-bladed screwdriver and a mallet. The old bearing shell will crack along the groove you have cut, and you can then just pull it out with your fingers.

Bear in mind that if you have to press a bearing out, you will almost certainly damage it, and it should be discarded in any case.

I had to do this on several dirt bikes, always worked and usually took less than ten minutes per bearing. The threaded rod method didn't work for me, I managed to strip the thread a few times (and that was a 1.0 threaded stainless rod).

Try it at your own risk, of course!

[Road_Clam]

I've also used a 1/2" drive extension and a 18mm (or whatever fits snug) socket. don't use your good stuff!! Put the swingarm on a piece of wood on the ground and smack that extension with the "persuader" (16lb sledge hammer).

It's back yard mechanics, but that's how we do it.

You might screw them up this way, but you have to replace the bearings anyway.

You'd be amazed how well the propane heat works for this kind of thing. If you're going to put the new bearings in yourself, put them in the freezer first, and heat up the swingarm with the propane. a little grease and you can almost push them in with your fingers.
-K

Good comment, I forgot to mention throwing the bearings in the freezer overnight. I just replaced all my GS's rear wheel bearings, and with frozen bearings, and heating up the wheel hub, the bearings gently pushed right in by hand, no problem. BTW as far as "good stuff" I don't own any! LOL. I just wrap my tool with duct tape, more so to protect the aluminum bearing/sleeve bore, rather than my tools.
Rich

[bj]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll give it a try.

[crag antler]

So would the general consensus be that changing the swing arm bearings, even on a 1983 GS1100e, would be about the same as doing say steering head bearings on the same 1100e 8O

I am changing over to a 530 chain set up and thought after 40,000+ on the bike it would hurt to change the swingarm bearings.

I will have to see , may take it to a shop. The winter projects are piling up and I have the 250 to f#%@ with 8O 8O :? :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: