Help needed. 250sx swingarm bearings

[chris200x]

Well the time has come for me to replace the swingarm bearings on my 250sx. If someone has a clymer manual can you please scan the pages and email them or post them up here for me. I have a factory manual but could not find anything on this matter.

Anyone know a good place to buy these bearings cheap?

Also if anyone has any pointers or suggestions please feel free to reply. Looking at this it seems to be a big PITA for sure. :wondering

[bigredhead]

OOOhhhhh maaaaaan... this is a fun one !

a few key points

- the Outer bearing races that stay in the frame are a PITA to remove without the right tools.. be aware.

- The swingarm nut tool on the right hand side can be made with big socket and a dremel tool

- Take your time putting it all back together and seal everything up water tight

- Don't go cheap with the bearings.. buy the best you can find, you don't want to have to do this again soon.

[bigredhead]

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=33945&highlight=250+sx+swingarm

this might help a bit.

[Tri-ZNate]

I figured you'd be able to help him BRH. Chris just remeber dont remove that shaft out of the engine.

[chris200x]

Oh no.... :cry: I will have to stop riding this for sure until I get these replaced.

BRH.. I read through your thread and I have the same symptoms. A grinding popping vibration. But I feel it in both footpegs when I ride. I hope I didn't mess anything up more than it already is. :wondering

Bikebandit has the bearings listed for almost $50. I think that's apiece. :eek:

This maybe more trouble than it worth...

[bigredhead]

Check with your local honda dealer.. i know it's usually expensive.. but i paid 26 $ per piece Can $ direct from honda.

[bigredhead]

Oh.. and also. very important note.. specially for you..

Use liquid gasket.. and NOT liquid steel to seal things up ! lmao....

[chris200x]

Oh.. and also. very important note.. specially for you..

Use liquid gasket.. and NOT liquid steel to seal things up ! lmao....

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :naughty:

On a side note.. does the Clymer have anything on this?

[Tri-ZNate]

chris check ebay. Usually bearings are cheap on there

[chris200x]

I'll keep my eyes peeled over there. I was just on servicehonda... what a freakin nightmare that website is.. :rolleyes:

I got the parts fische to come up but cannot enlarge it enough to see the numbers for the bearings I need. :mad:

Anyone know the part #'s for these swingarm bearings? I don't know if it's:

91055 HAO 003
94066 MC7 003
94066 MC7 004

Or if they are diffrent numbers for either sides or what.

Maybe I should just sell the damn thing and let someone else deal with it.. :wondering :cry:

[Dads]

Just go to a auto parts store and tell them to order you two 30203 Timkin bearings $10.00 something each . and go to honda and order two seals $4 something each.

thats all I do, and I sell bearing kits. LOL

[chris200x]

Just go to a auto parts store and tell them to order you two 30203 Timkin bearings $10.00 something each . and go to honda and order two seals $4 something each.

thats all I do, and I sell bearing kits. LOL

This is indeed good news! :w00t:

Just outta curiousity how much are your kits and what do they consist of?

If I do get these things out I have no problem sending you my money instead of my local dealer. ;)

[Dads]

There are no swing kits for the shaft drive trikes.
Kits contain bearings and seals.
I have front axle, rear axle, steering stem, and diff kit for the shaft drive.
Have never checked to see if I can get the parts for a swing kit.

[chris200x]

http://search.ebay.com/bearing-puller_W0QQfromZR40QQfrtsZ0QQfsooZ1QQfsopZ1

Hmm, I want to make this as easy as possible.. ButI have no idea what kind of puller to use. there are quite a few diffrent types on ebay. Anyone know which one is which. Oh, cheaper is better! :)

[Tri-ZNate]

A slide hammer is what we always use to change bearings http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Slide-Hammer-Puller-with-Spreader-NEW-in-the-box-USA_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35625QQihZ005QQitem Z150017207121QQrdZ1.

[Huffa]

Just go to a auto parts store and tell them to order you two 30203 Timkin bearings $10.00 something each . and go to honda and order two seals $4 something each.

thats all I do, and I sell bearing kits. LOL

There is a bearing supply house by me BUT it seems when I ask for ones that go in Honda's they always come back with that that is a rare special size and we do not carry them.

I am NOT referring to these though so maybe they will have them.

Chris, check up your way for a supply house that just sells bearings. There are about 3 down my way, so I would think there would be at least one by you.

If you have no luck, I will try.

[chris200x]

Ok bud. I'm going to ask for the ones dads talked about. I got a bearing and drives unlimited right up intown that I will check first.

Just wondering if anyone has ever made a bearing puller before? I think I remember reading about one that someone "homemade" a while back...

the search option is a beautiful thing.. :lol:

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=49354&highlight=bearing+puller

http://www.3wheelerworldforums.com/showthread.php?t=34286&highlight=bearing+puller

[Tri-ZNate]

well all you'd have to do is get 2 peices of metal and make a 90 degree bend at the bottom of eack, turn them so they face opposite ways, and make a way so you can hang onto the metal and pull. The nice thing about the slide hammer is it is that exact description plus it has the hammer on it so it gives it that jolt to break them free and come off.

[bigredhead]

I love this tool !

clac clac... done.

[chris200x]

Can I "BORROW" that? :lol: They defenitly look as if it would make life much easier. Actually I got my eye on this one.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4615332498&fromMakeTrack=true

It doesn't look like it's heavy duty by any means, but should get the job done.. I will check at the bearing place when I go order the bearings first though.. Why pay for shipping if I dont have too. ;)

so after reading through some of the old threads... Do I need to pull the axle and dryshaft out first to remove the swinger? I guessI really need the Clymer Manual as well... :rolleyes:

[Tri-ZNate]

no chris the whole ass end stays intact. Unbolt the shock and disconnect the driveshaft and I think thats it. Then remove the rear end from the vehicle

[bigredhead]

I don't think i'd go with that e-bay rig.. it does not have the expander thing that you need like in my picture.

You'd be more than welcome to borrow it.. but it's a long frckin drive !!! lol..

I got this from a place called " Princess Auto " .. it's a walmart for men type store.. farm supply.. welding supply .. etc etc etc.. you name it.. they have it... got nice chicks working there.. wearing tool belts.. love that place.

[chris200x]

Do any of you guys have a manual on CD that you can burn and send to me? Or The clymer pages to scan and post... either that or I see a 400 post thread coming here... :lol: :w00t:

Oh Nate.. thanks for the sig pic. this will do just fine. :beer

[bigredhead]

The manual won't help you a whole lot on this one..

- remove wheels

- remove the short tube on the left of the diff

- remove brake plate on right side.

- remove axle

- remove diff

- remove swingarm

- replace swingarm bearings ( manual is worthless on this.. quote " use honda special tool # @#^@Q$%!@$% ) ..

Inspect everything you took apart.. diff bearings.. hub bearings.. brake drum etc etc etc... and re-assemble.

ride-on !

thank me later lol..

[chris200x]

OK thanks! I got a copy of the manual coming. I didn't think there was that much involved that's for sure.

It ain't the "taking apart" part I'm worried about.. It's puttin it all bck together! LMAO!!!

[bigredhead]

the swingarm assembly is a piece of cake... just put the bolts back loosely in their place as you take stuff apart and you can't go wrong..

Hmmm.. page 2 already huh... should be complete by page 4 or maybe 5..

[chris200x]

I hope these are the right ones. $15 a piece. Sure beats $47.50 a crack from Bikebandit. :w00t: These are #30203 J2

Still gotta get the seals and whatnot from honda.

[Howdy]

The hardest part of replacing the bearings will be pulling the old races.
1) block the machine up under the motor.
2) Loosen the clamps for the rubber boot between the swing arm and motor.
3) Remove the rear shock ( or disconnect the bottom end and tie it up out of the way ).
4) Loosen / remove the swing arm bearing pins and slide the rear end out.
5) Inspect the drive shaft and universal joint. ( Optional, but can save you time down the road ).
6) Pull the old bearings and seals and replace with new.
7) Reinstall everything in reverse order.

With the proper bearing rave puller it should only take about a hour or 2 to replace the bearings and seals. You can also remove the rear tires if you want. This will keep the rear end from being so bulky while working on it.

Howdy

[Huffa]

Do any of you guys have a manual on CD that you can burn and send to me? Or The clymer pages to scan and post... either that or I see a 400 post thread coming here... :lol: :w00t:

Oh Nate.. thanks for the sig pic. this will do just fine. :beer

Chris, if I send you my CD manual, can you make one for yourself?

If so your more then welcome to it.

[chris200x]

Yea sure... I can copy it no problem. I do have the pages for the swinger comin... but the rest of the manual would be helpful down the road.

[chris200x]

Well I just went ahead and ordered the holders and seals. Should be here today.

This thing in the pic I posted has me concerned for sure. I got it soaking with pb blaster right now. but what do you guys use to get it out. A blunt chisel and hammer? I think that is going to mess it up for sure. Anyone know what the correct tool or part number the tool is to properly remove this thing?

EDIT: DOH! A 17mm nut fits right in there.. I'll have one welded to a bolt and use that. :naughty:

[Tri-ZNate]

chris it is called a big ass allen head wrench, we have one ;). If you want to borrow it lemme know and I can send it down to ya.

[sblt500r]

Well I just went ahead and ordered the holders and seals. Should be here today.

This thing in the pic I posted has me concerned for sure. I got it soaking with pb blaster right now. but what do you guys use to get it out. A blunt chisel and hammer? I think that is going to mess it up for sure. Anyone know what the correct tool or part number the tool is to properly remove this thing?

EDIT: DOH! A 17mm nut fits right in there.. I'll have one welded to a bolt and use that. :naughty:

you could also use a 17mm bolt, a long one, and bend it 90 degress to act as an allen wrench

[chris200x]

you could also use a 17mm bolt, a long one, and bend it 90 degress to act as an allen wrench

I guess these will work just as good :naughty:

So I'm having a heck of a time getting these hubs off. Do they just slide off the end of the axle?

Lol.. I got moldy rear brakes! :lol:

[Tri-ZNate]

Chris put the drum back on. If you notice there are two holes in the hub and two on the drum. There are supposed to be screws holding them together. Thats probably the easiest way to get the hub off is to pull everything at once.

[chris200x]

Well, I got me some new brake shoes to put on the back here. Now is as good as time as any I suppose.. So the backing plate and hub are supposed to slide off the end of the axle? :wondering it seems to be a bit frozen.

[chris200x]

I've been pounding out this hub for the past 45 minutes and it ain't budgin... Are they threaded on? :wondering

[Tri-ZNate]

no just slid on. its just like on the quadrunner if you want to look at that. PB blast it, let it sit over night and try again tomorrow

[burnoutboy]

Have you got access to a oxy acetylene torch? A bit of heat would probably make it come off.

[sblt500r]

yeah, you have to heat them, chris. they've probably been there since it was new

[chris200x]

Yes... Not to many bolts have been turned on this machine.. I heated the hub to a point where I started to melt the axle bearing seals... :lol: :rolleyes: Still ain't budgin.. :( Most of the other bolts (besides the lugs) had to be heated as well to remove..

21 years of coal dust and water sure do a number on these things that's for sure.

Well boys I am outta ideas for now. :wondering

Is there a better penetrating oil out there than pb blaster?

[chris200x]

If it's not to much trouble John. If I can get the hubs off I think the rest of it should go rather smoothly... (hoping)

Oh, thanks for the copies! :beer

[chris200x]

I got it!!!! :Bounce (the axle out that is)

But the hubs are still stuck on the ends of the axle carrier. :(

[chris200x]

This is what I can accomplish with a 12 pack! :w00t:

I cannot slide the axle through the gearbox.... :mad: Any suggestions..?

Also that freakin hub aint budgin........:wondering

I had to grind through the races to pry them out... no easy task.......... :rolleyes:

[chris200x]

Damn John,, that thing is hardcore!!! :naughty:

The problem I'm having with the axle.. There are stops or "bumps" on the end of each side that the bearings rest up agianst. I cannot get it through the gearbox. That, and the one hub ain't budgin. I actually bent the hub a bit with that 2 pronged puller. I think your creation may work a bit better.

Does the gearbox have to be split or something?

Pm me when you get that badboy finished up and let me know what I owe ya!:beer

[chris200x]

I've been thinking the same thing. Well I got my fingers crossed for sure. I'm sure I can find a good axle and/or hubs on here or ebay.

If anyone has one (just incase) let me know.

[Dads]

The bearing stop come off the axle. Just rap them with a hammer and punch. they rust on the axle.

[chris200x]

What is the reasoning behind these two holes in the swinger tube? These to me serve absolutly no purpose but let in water :rolleyes: Anyone know why they are there?

[Dirtcrasher]

What is the reasoning behind these two holes in the swinger tube? These to me serve absolutly no purpose but let in water :rolleyes: Anyone know why they are there?


Possibly water drain holes or alignment holes from manufacturing.

I weld 1/4 - 28 nuts on them and install grease fittings. Knock out the tin caps, shove a piece of foam in there to take up some space saving on grease and your done.

[Frankencelery]

I already had grease fittings in mine when I got it. The guy I bought it from installed them because the bearings were bad and thought that greasing them would give them new life or something. Anyway, when I did the bearings (thanks to all those here at 3WW who helped me) I had read all this nonsense about having to use a blind bearing puller. What none of the manuals said was that the tube goes all the way through and all I had to do is knock the soft metal plugs out and then I could get to the races from the back side. A couple people told me not to replace the races, but once I could get to them from behind, it was easy, and replacing the whole thing gave me peace of mind.

But I digress. You guys are probably past that part anyway. What I want to comment on was the grease fittings. The guy I bought it from and installed the grease fittings didn't know about the plugs, so he was filling the center tube with grease, which never got to the bearings! I never thought about putting something in there to block out the tube, so I ended up using most of a tube of grease to get it filled up. Despite the huge amount of grease, it worked fine!

[chris200x]

I couldn't agree with you more Frankencelery. The only thing I really needed the slide puller for was trying to get the hubs off. (which didn't work anyway btw) I then just used the good old dremel with a small cut off disk to cut through the race a bit then knock them out from the backside.

I tried the two pronged puller (on the hub) which actually bent one of my hubs. So I'm hoping John's puller and a vice will get the job done.

Since I already have the caps and races installed I think I will just go ahead and plug those two holes in the tube there. That tube was packed with mud and silt. Which cannot be good for the bearings in the long run.

Aside from the one stubborn hub this project hasn't been that bad so far. Once I get the hub straightened and everything all cleaned up properly, along with new axle bearings,, assembly should be quite simple.

This has been far easier than trying to get the swingarm bolt and needle bearings replaced on my old 200x swingarm....

This is pretty much what was left of the old bearings...

[chris200x]

I managed to get one hub off. these were the bearings on that side. :lol:

[Tri-ZNate]

holy F chris, I guess you better do all the bearings while your at it :lol:. How long since the front has been done?

[chris200x]

Probably 21 years.... :lol: I did check them a few months back when I was messing with my speedo gearbox and changing my front tire... They were solid then. :wondering

Just waiting on a puller and bearings.......... :w00t:

[Frankencelery]

Yeah, it seems like they disintigrate all of a sudden. Probably not true, but it always seems that way.

Oh, and nice Sleestack, Chris! :-) Are you that old?

[chris200x]

Ha Ha... Yes I used to watch the land of the lost. I think it ran from 74-77 but I always watched the reruns on saturday mornings growing up.

[Frankencelery]

Ok, I think I was watching it when it was originally on, which probably makes me older than you!

[Dirtcrasher]

This is why the 85 rear ends su(see)k. Once you get good parts it is essential you tear it all down, file and stone everything flat and then silicone it all on reaasembley. The 85 drum will always let water in so either check it often or upgrade it. I only run 87 rear ends on both my SX's...

[chris200x]

Anyone know where these things go? :wondering

[Dads]

If you had a closer pic would help.
left to right. brake side bearing seal. the other I can't tell what it is.

[Frankencelery]

Chris, did you ever get that hub off?

[chris200x]

Chris, did you ever get that hub off?

Ummm, nope. :lol: Those bearing on that side are still solid. I will leave them alone for the time being. I have to somehow straighten out the hub that is bent up though.

Al, here's a better pic of those mystery pieces... I got the clip one figured out. thanks John. ;)

[chris200x]

Believe it or not I actually started to bend the flate plate of the puller as well. :wondering (can't really see the bevel too well in the pic though)

I don't think the hub will come off anytime soon.

One last option would be for dad to take it into work and try to press the axle out with a hydrualic press. I don't wanna mess up the end of the axle though. I'll just let it be. (probably)

[bigredhead]

That big C clip is the bearing retainer....

I screwed up when i replaced my axle bearings and put the right side on the left side etc... resulting in the groove not ending up in the right place..

The left and right side axle bearings are something like 1/16th difference in thickness.... don't mix them up ! doh. The rubber seal goes on after the C-clip but mine looked different.. rubber seal with a metal ring inside to lock it in place..

[chris200x]

Looking at these you are correct. Sheesh I would of never known. two are blue and two are black. Black being the thicker ones.

Which ones go where? I'm only replacing the left side (brake drum side)

I really must get manual one of these days... :wondering

[bigredhead]

well.. if i recall corectly.. i ended up having an impossible time installing the seal on the left side ( sitting on trike.. .. ) as the bearings were not in deep enough.. wich in the end was the result of having the thicker bearings on left when they should have been on the right side...

So

thin - left side
thick - right side ( brake drum side )

Might want to wait for confirmation on this... or match them up once you remove the old one's.

[chris200x]

Well the old ones on that side were disenigrated so they pretty much just fell out. I can't really tell by this pic (the other side) which bearings these are. And I already thave that side put all back together. Notice how bent up that hub is.. :rolleyes:

I guess if noone knows for sure I can always pull the side back out. :(

[Dads]

on the 85 250sx
look at the center hole. one is bigger than the other. if you look at your hubs you will see one has a bigger OD to fit the bearing ID. They put more meat in the brake hub.

Ps. don't mix up your bearing stops that go on the axle. the one with the flat face goes on the left. The one with a lip goes on the right. the lip fits in the bearing ID.

[chris200x]

on the 85 250sx
look at the center hole. one is bigger than the other. if you look at your hubs you will see one has a bigger OD to fit the bearing ID. They put more meat in the brake hub.

You Da Man!!! :w00t: These kits comes with instructions but they do not mention this. I would of hated to put them in the end of the carrier just to find I put the wrong ones in. thanks a bunch!!! :beer

[Dads]

the one good thing about getting bearing kits from me is tech support.
glad to help.

[chris200x]

Well, I got it all finished up last night. Just have to mount the rear rack. It's riding and running very well! :w00t:

[Tri-ZNate]

good to hear chris, I'll have to post up a pic of the bling I got for the sx ;)

[chris200x]

good to hear chris, I'll have to post up a pic of the bling I got for the sx ;)

Yea,,, and I'm still waitin to see the pics of the last Hazleton ride! :p :lol:

you get that works shock back on yet? :naughty:

[Tri-ZNate]

Yea,,, and I'm still waitin to see the pics of the last Hazleton ride! :p :lol:

you get that works shock back on yet? :naughty:


yeah uhh no pics that I can post, scanner broke down so no scanablity :(. As for the shock this is what Josh told me, "I hope someone brings it up by friday so you can ride it". So I dunno if the SX will come this time or not, plus I need to borrow a 350x carb from josh so who knows. But he said if it doesnt come I'll ride the scrambler again. He leaned it out some and said its a totally new animal, alot more smack :lol:


Anyway the bling is a new set of Moose High rise Aluminumuinum bars to replace the twisted ATC110 ones. Sticker says $49.95, I pay $20. Life is good :cool:

[chris200x]

:drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :drool: :w00t: Those will look alot better that those "other ones"

Lol.... so much for my swingarm bearing thread eh? :lol: :postwhore No matter it's back up and running!

Cool desktop too! :beer