Bearing extraction and press tools

[super_claret]

I’m looking to replace pivot bearings on my Turbo Levo and the Wife’s Orbea Rise Hydro and wondered whether there was a generic tool I could buy to cover both bikes? Never done this before and don’t want to buy incorrect tools. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[RebornRider]

I can't advise on what you should buy, but I can suggest you avoid this set, which is sold by many vendors on Amazon, AliExpress, etc. Some of the drifts are incorrectly sized, and the whole kit is made of cheese.

 

[super_claret]

I can't advise on what you should buy, but I can suggest you avoid this set, which is sold by many vendors on Amazon, AliExpress, etc. Some of the drifts are incorrectly sized, and the whole kit is made of cheese.

View attachment 140468

Thanks for the advice.

 

[TommyC]

This is all you need

 

[super_claret]

This is all you need

View attachment 140470

Tried that and buggered my frame

 

[Weeksy]

I can't advise on what you should buy, but I can suggest you avoid this set, which is sold by many vendors on Amazon, AliExpress, etc. Some of the drifts are incorrectly sized, and the whole kit is made of cheese.

View attachment 140468

Apart from the fact I've used this kit for 100+ bearings

 

[super_claret]

Apart from the fact I've used this kit for 100+ bearings

Interesting, so you would recommend that set?

 

[RebornRider]

Apart from the fact I've used this kit for 100+ bearings

I've done maybe 20. I'm looking forward to getting a quality press set for the next 20. This set does work if you fuss with the alignment, go very slowly and carefully, and replace the incorrectly sized drifts. But you can do better.

 

[super_claret]

I've done maybe 20. I'm looking forward to getting a quality press set for the next 20. This set does work if you fuss with the alignment, go very slowly and carefully, and replace the incorrectly sized drifts. But you can do better.

Any recommendations?

 

[Nomad1]

Apart from the fact I've used this kit for 100+ bearings

makes me wonder about two things one was someone just not using the tool right? Or are some of those kits not just rebranded but cheaper versions? Somethings are literally just sold under another name often thou they are copies that are aren't the same. I couldn't tell about that set but I can tell I bought stuff that looks like it's same just rebranded and it's not

 

[TommyC]

makes me wonder about two things one was someone just not using the tool right?

I always think that when people knock the hammer and screwdriver method. I’ve genuinely removed dozens of bearings like that on various things including most recently my carbon bike frame. Used a screwdriver to get one side out and a socket on an extension to get the other out.

 

[deksawyer]

You'll find what you need here: | eBay

 

[RustyIron]

makes me wonder about two things one was someone just not using the tool right?

Without a doubt, First World tools are better than Third World imports. But there's been plenty of machines buggered up by hamfisted clowns using Proto and King Dick tools. More often than not, if I need a driver, I'll walk over to my steel rack and find something appropriately sized. You don't need a fancy "kit" to do good work.

 

[timo2824]

Before replacement you may try cleaning the balls and adding fresh grease. Most swingarm bearings on bikes would last a long time if periodically greased.

 

[Weeksy]

Interesting, so you would recommend that set?

As I say, I've used it lots, both at home and when away racing. Never had a single issue

 

[super_claret]

Anyone used Bearing Pro Tools stuff. Made in Scotland and machined to fine tolerances. They do bike specific kits.
Trouble is, if I buy a kit for each bike along with bearing puller kits, it’s approx £160. The Park Tools SBK1 kit is £250 and comes in a handy case with many different sizes. I’m thinking if I ever change my bike the Park Tools kit should cover most bikes?

Bearing Press Kit for Specialized Bikes

Bearing press tool kit for Specialized MTB frame pivots - Enduro, etc. Each kit is tailor made with all of the tool sizes required to install the bearings from the selected Specialized frame (one, two, three or four tool sizes depending on the frame) . Fast and free shipping in the UK, low cost...

www.bearingprotools.com

 

[Snrbrtsn]

I just received and used the Bearing Pro tools
I’d say it worked well, albeit, I either ordered the wrong kit or they sent the wrong kit
The double bearing on the seat stay ( gen 2 Levo) requires a bearing puller, I bought the sliding hammer type and never encountered too much drama.
The same “challenge” encountered with the main pivot bearing, one side came easy the other was a bit of pest

I also have an incarnation of the press above, that worked fine, ideal for the main pivot link

Post ride, after replacement really showed the neglect/need to do!
Though on removal none of the bearings felt particularly bad

 

[Bones]

Various sized sockets and long bolts and washers work as good as anything.

 

[leix_toffee]

Apart from the fact I've used this kit for 100+ bearings

Same. Kit works fine

 

[Pickle1970]

Cyclestore.co.uk

www.cyclestore.co.uk

Expensive as you need the adapters for your frame, but I have a set and they work perfectly. No damage to frame or new bearings.

 

[franciscoasismm]

To Remove Bearings

Bicycle Wheel Hub Bearing Disassembly Tool Repair Remover Tool Hand Tool Set Fixed Gear Remover Pulling Extractor Tool Accessory - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

To put bearings and more

2.27￡ 50% OFF|Bicycle Hub Bottom Bracket Bearing Press Installation Tool Bike Accessories Инструменты Для Штамповки Подшипников| | - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

RISK RL218 MTB Bicycle Bike Rear Shock Absorber Bushing Tool Repair Tool DU Bushing Press-in Installation MTB Shock Absorber - AliExpress 18

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

 

[TG1971]

I bought a park tools suspension bearing extractor and press tool can’t fault it it’s expensive but well worth it

 

[Nomad1]

I always think that when people knock the hammer and screwdriver method. I’ve genuinely removed dozens of bearings like that on various things including most recently my carbon bike frame. Used a screwdriver to get one side out and a socket on an extension to get the other out.

Just cause it worked doesn't mean you should do it that way. You can use just about anything as a hammer does mean you should. In some case it it actual tell you to use a hammer and punch other it wouldn't. Also keep mind not everybody can rebuild a car with just a pocket knife.

 

[Nomad1]

Without a doubt, First World tools are better than Third World imports. But there's been plenty of machines buggered up by hamfisted clowns using Proto and King Dick tools. More often than not, if I need a driver, I'll walk over to my steel rack and find something appropriately sized. You don't need a fancy "kit" to do good work.

I find that there are tools out there aren't the fancy high end ones but also aren't the cheap crap either and that sometimes you can make a tool depending on your skill and what you have that works from good enough to Great!

 

[TommyC]

Just cause it worked doesn't mean you should do it that way.

just trying to save the OP hundreds of pounds on a kit that he’ll use once and chuck in the shed not to be seen for another 5 years.

You can use just about anything as a hammer doesn’t mean you should.

If you get exactly the same result, does it matter?

 

[super_claret]

Appreciate all the replies, thanks. I’m now totally confused
Should I use a hammer and screwdriver, a cheap kit or go expensive? Decisions, decisions!

 

[Weeksy]

1. Not a screwdriver as if you get it wrong it's more likely to split the bearing apart just leaving the outer race in there.
I use a 3/8" extension bar, rubber mallet, tap/knock it out.
Sometimes I'll use a expansion bolt type setup from bearing pro tools, but not often in truth.
Get a press kit though like the blue one as you don't really want to be tapping them in.

 

[TommyC]

Was just in my tool box and come across this

I didn’t have the correct driver to press a motorcycle wheel bearing. Cut a slot in the old one so it doesn’t get stuck and there’s your driver.

Where there’s a will there’s a way.

I went through the same thoughts as you a few months back. It was either buy a full kit at a high price, buy only the specific pullers for my bearings or go with the hammer and screwdriver. I only own one full suspension bike and it likely won’t need bearings for another 2-3 years, at which point I’ll probably have a different bike with different bearings.

I do have a headset/bottom bracket press that I got ‘free’ with some Amazon vouchers from work. Still had to use my socket set to make it work though.

 

[Nomad1]

just trying to save the OP hundreds of pounds on a kit that he’ll use once and chuck in the shed not to be seen for another 5 years.

If you get exactly the same result, does it matter?

Yes in life sometimes it does few people know that but it's true! Good to see the different option people are presenting hopefully people will be able to use this thread to find the best option for them

 

[steve_sordy]

I can't advise on what you should buy, but I can suggest you avoid this set, which is sold by many vendors on Amazon, AliExpress, etc. Some of the drifts are incorrectly sized, and the whole kit is made of cheese.

View attachment 140468

Oh shit! I was bought that set last year, not had to use it yet. I hope mine is one of the genuine ones!
I'll have to get out my micrometer now!