Well, I finally decided to replace all of my bearings in my '03 Enduro. I had the bearing kit and fabricated my own bearing press from a variety of washers and bolts. Main bottom bearings...no problem. Swing link bearings...no problem. Chainstay/seatstay bearings...many problems!!
After struggling with getting the old bearings out (finally resorting to the "Law Of The Hammer, Dremel Tool and Punch Set"), I finally was able to get the new bearings in. No major issues up to this point other than frustration and fear of destroying the swing arm! When I went to connect the chainstay and seatstay, I realized the bearings were not fully pressed into their seats, and the washers would not fit in. After several hours working on the bike, I was not thinking clearly, so I tried to "seat" the bearings by wedging a washer in place and using the pivot axle to compress the bearings and fully seat them. (Sounded plausible at the time.) After what appeared to be sound logic, I felt a “snap” and realized I stripped the threaded portion of the chainstay.
I put the tools up and calculated the damage:
1. Chainstay – Stripped threads on left hand side
2. Seatstay – Bearings improperly installed, both sides
3. Chainstay/seatstay pivot bolt – Stripped
4. Realization I f&ck$d up…Priceless!
Looks like I will be calling the shop I bought the frame from tomorrow. I think I will go to bed now.
After struggling with getting the old bearings out (finally resorting to the "Law Of The Hammer, Dremel Tool and Punch Set"), I finally was able to get the new bearings in. No major issues up to this point other than frustration and fear of destroying the swing arm! When I went to connect the chainstay and seatstay, I realized the bearings were not fully pressed into their seats, and the washers would not fit in. After several hours working on the bike, I was not thinking clearly, so I tried to "seat" the bearings by wedging a washer in place and using the pivot axle to compress the bearings and fully seat them. (Sounded plausible at the time.) After what appeared to be sound logic, I felt a “snap” and realized I stripped the threaded portion of the chainstay.
I put the tools up and calculated the damage:
1. Chainstay – Stripped threads on left hand side
2. Seatstay – Bearings improperly installed, both sides
3. Chainstay/seatstay pivot bolt – Stripped
4. Realization I f&ck$d up…Priceless!
Looks like I will be calling the shop I bought the frame from tomorrow. I think I will go to bed now.