250SX rear swing arm bearings

[DB's 250]

Im a newbie here, I tried to post last night but apparantly messed something up so forgive me if 2 posts appear from me on the same topic. I have a 85 250SX that I bought new. It was my 5th and final 3 wheeler purchase, and since nothing newer or better was available Ive kept it all these years. (It was preceded by a 77 atc90, 81 atc 200, 82 Big Red, and a 84 200X) Its been used hard and shows it but Ive maintained it well and it is a tribute to Honda's incredible realibility. Recently the rear swing arm bearings or bushings have let loose and its the first problem that Im a bit scared to tackle....any advice from someone whos replaced these? Until its repaired, Im stuck riding a 'golf cart' (that description of a Quad just cracked me up!) Its a 03 Kodiak, nice machine but I miss my 3 wheels! And how I ended up with a non-Honda after all the good luck with my atc's is something I wont get into right now!

[BLAZERONE22]

Welcome to the board! I'm in the same boat, I'm getting ready to tackle the same thing. I'm waiting until I recieve my manual. Anybody out there that can help?

[Tri-Z Pilot]

Go to Bikebandit.com for schematics on the swingarm of the 250sx. As far as the dificulty factor, it is really rather simple ( unless you get a really tight bushing), but all you need to do is to heat up the swingarm pivot point with a torch, and find a socket wrench head that will rest on the outside diameter of your swingarm bushing, then you just pound it out. When you go to put the new bearins and bushings in they must be pressed in. Hope this helps, I would suggest buying a manual though. Good Luck!

[Dirtcrasher]

SX swingarm bearings are a total pain in the arse - you can't "press" out the outer race as there is a cap in the frame to prevent access, You have to either dremel a slot in the outer race and crack it or punch through the tin can lid behind the bearing to provide access to pop out one side at a time. Yes a little heat helps with the pivot bol - Use a 2lb hanner and a good punch on the lock ring and then a 17MM bolt backwards gets the pivot bolt itself out. Then comes the fun part - taking off the whole swingarm - bad part is getting it back in there, it is hard to get the swingarm journals in at the same tima as the driveshaft. I usually remove the diff so I can pop in the driveshaft after it's on. Heck, it gives you a chance to inspect the whole rear because water gets in there and ruins the "rare" find of a good working diff. That pivot bolt gets torqued to like 17ft lbs for proper prload or you'll kill the bearings. The swingarm pivot bot may be too worn and the permanent journal welded on the left of the swingarm may also be cooked - can use shim stock if so desired. If it's apart tap the 2 holes in the back with a 1/4 28 tap - throw a piece of foam inbetween the 2 bearings and weld, braise or otherwise close the third hole on the bottom - now you'll never replace them again. In braise 2 10 - 32 nuts over my holes and then tapped all of that for a more secure grease fitting installation. I have brand new Honda swingarm TIMKEN bearings and dual lipped spring backed NAK seals for 55$ a kit shipped to your door, call Honda and compare - same TIMKEN OEM bearings not "make money on EBAY cheapo kit". I bought 10 kits (have 3 250SX's) and have a couple left. I also have a pivot bolt on EBAY if yours gets moshed ruining it. Good luck! Replace the rubber boot too, and silicone it's inside sealing area.

[PAtrikerguy]

I replaced my swing arm bearings about amonth ago on my 250SX. I replaced the bearings and races, whole procedure went relatively smooth (except for lining back up the driveshaft & swingarm, that took some coaxing) but the whole job took about an hour. Guess I got lucky.

[Dirtcrasher]

I replaced my swing arm bearings about amonth ago on my 250SX. I replaced the bearings and races, whole procedure went relatively smooth (except for lining back up the driveshaft & swingarm, that took some coaxing) but the whole job took about an hour. Guess I got lucky.

It really depends on how anal you are, LOL. I polish every fastner, tap every thread and always have the mind set to do it once and it will last a long time. I tore my 85SX down and beat the hell out of it for about 5 years before I even had to touch it, I felt because I was so thorough. If I can install grease fittings - I'll tear it down to the frame to do it, then I have to paint it etc. and it just snowballs from there. Whatever works for one of us may or may not work for someone else. To each his own.

[DB's 250]

Great information guys! Thanks! Sure glad I found this site. My 250 will ride again....just curious if anyone else has a 'one owner'? Probably dating myself, Im 46, but still ride and keep up with the younger crew.