Installing New Swingarm Needle Bearings???

Okay, getting ready to install the new swingarm bearings, and I'm wondering how you guys did it. The bearings have to be set back 5mm into the pivot tube, and of course the factory manual clearly states it's a piece of cake when using the Special Tool (yeah, I really got all those "special Tools")

So, are there any tips/tricks on what to use to press these shiny new beauties in? I wanted to check with you all first as I sooo do not want to screw up on this. Appreciate your guidance/insight!

Walter

Find a socket or a piece of pipe that lines up and tap away. Also put some grease on the outside of the bearing and inside of the swingarm.

what you can do is get the bearing started in the swingarm then take a peice or redi rod or all thread just a bit longer than the swingarm is wide about 3 inches longer then get some fender washers that are the same diameter as the out side of the bearing and a couple of nuts and then just pull them in to place. try not to drive them you can end up crushing the race.it will be okay to drive them abit the last little bit ifyou need to but don't do it all the way.

i used to set the bearings on a piece of dry ice more a min or two....when it stops dancing you'll know its time....then heat the swingarm with a heat gun or torch if need be....they will slip right in with just a little perswading

That's great - thank you, guys!! I think I'll use all three replies. I'l rig up the threaded rod with fender washers, cool the bearings with dry ice, pull them in with the rod, and then use an appropriate size socket to tap them in to exactly 5mm inset.

This is very much appreciated, folks! Thank you.

Put the bearings in your freezer and heat the swing arm, I do this all day at work building transmissions it is nuts what s difference it makes.
Tom

Very cool, Tom, I will use the freezer. I do have to be gentle on the heating though, as I just sandblasted/painted the swingarm with POR-15 rust preventive and then two coats of their top coat (4 days ago so it is fully cured) and don't want to damage the paint. But I assume I could use a hair dryer on high. I don't think the intent is to super-heat...

Norseman wrote:

Very cool, Tom, I will use the freezer. I do have to be gentle on the heating though, as I just sandblasted/painted the swingarm with POR-15 rust preventive and then two coats of their top coat (4 days ago so it is fully cured) and don't want to damage the paint. But I assume I could use a hair dryer on high. I don't think the intent is to super-heat...

your onto it...chances are you will be able push 'em in with your thumb