When to replace frame bearings

[Hale_Storming]

Hi Guys, I have a YT Decoy Elite, with 2000km on the clock. I've never replaced the frame bearings as there doesn't seem to be any play, but I'm wondering when and how often do you replace your frame bearings?

 

[TommyC]

I recently did a full strip down on my 2 year old cube with only 600 miles on. Out of 12 bearings 4 needed replacing and 4 I got away with cleaning and repacking.

 

[TQFreak]

Never

 

[RustyIron]

Generally, they last for as long as I have the bike. That can be anywhere from two to five years, and thousands of miles.

 

[Binhill1]

I've had more mountain bikes than I care to remember. Apart from wheel bearings I can't remember replacing any . What does a faulty pivot bearing feel or sound like ? .

 

[steve_sordy]

You are dependent upon the designer for how long your bearings last. How and where you ride also has an impact, butv not as much as the designer.

I bought a Norco Sight 1 in Mar'13 and it was £3150 after discount, so it was not a cheap bike. That bike went through a set of frame bearings every 8 months! The sealing was appalling! They weren't just a bit dodgy they were seized, rusty all the way though, you name it.

I can't remember replacing frame bearings before then and I've had very few indeed since I sold the bike.

 

[Mbiker35]

I just went thru my 2019 DECOY, I ride it hard. The main chain stay bearing was really loose and rear end had a pretty noticeable wiggle. I bought a baring set from EBay for half the price of it's web site for it's set. But I didn't replace the old ones once I had the frame apart. I only needed to pop the bearing seals out and repack them. I also always use marine blue grease on my bikes. That is just my preference.

 

[Bear-uk]

Should you need to replace frame bearings then Enduro max cageless bearings are very good.
Without a cage to hold the balls, there's room for an extra ball.
They are also filled with marine grease which is more waterproof than standard grease.

 

[timo2824]

Clean and repack as necessary, I've had brand new bearings have a bit of wiggle, so I go by noise and feel. I've cleaned bearings that you would think no way is this going to be okay, and then ran them for years... If you're not feeling any play I'd just clean, grease, and ride!

 

[James_C]

The approach I'm now doing:

take off horst link every few months. Clean the outside with alcohol, rags, and patience (no water!). stick a finger in the bearing and spin it. If its rough, pop the seal, clean with alcohol, wet vac or blow it out, pack with grease. If its still really rough or seized, replace.

Use 'enduro max' bearings. These seem to last longer than others I've tried, I've repacked some quite a few times now.

I do ride in mud/sand/rain sometimes which probably doesn't help.

 

[Mister cube]

Hi Guys, I have a YT Decoy Elite, with 2000km on the clock. I've never replaced the frame bearings as there doesn't seem to be any play, but I'm wondering when and how often do you replace your frame bearings?

Just did mine on my 2023 cube stereo,the ones on the lower pivot behind the motor,i took out the bolt,put my finger in to turn it,one was notchy,the other was nearly seized,out of 10 bearings,i replaced 4,saying that the lower pivot bearings are the ones that get most of the crap thrown at them,so worth checking yearly,but it depends on where you ride,mine spends most of its time in wales,so nearly always wet and muddy

 

[RustyMTB]

Easiest way to check is to undo the rear shock & cycle the rear triangle & rocker link by hand. If the bearings are cooked, you'll feel the crunchiness. This may be obvious but in my experience, bearings nearest the ground take the hammering. Those higher up on your rocker link for example, are out of harm's way & soldier on just fine. Your main pivot bearing that's dragged through all the mud & water will almost certainly wear quick. And bearings are so cheap, I wouldn't bother repacking them, just replace.

 

[Type1]

Easiest way to check is to undo the rear shock & cycle the rear triangle & rocker link by hand. If the bearings are cooked, you'll feel the crunchiness. This may be obvious but in my experience, bearings nearest the ground take the hammering. Those higher up on your rocker link for example, are out of harm's way & soldier on just fine. Your main pivot bearing that's dragged through all the mud & water will almost certainly wear quick. And bearings are so cheap, I wouldn't bother repacking them, just replace.

+1.

I don't believe the seals are designed to be removed and repacked. You see pro mechs doing this, but they're typically using a lighter weight grease for less friction and cleaning and repacking very often.

 

[steve_sordy]

TrailVison are good. They specialise in bearings for bikes. They have special ones they call "Blue Seal" that have upgraded seals and marine grease packing. They also have put themselves in the customer's position and make it as easy as possible to find the exact bearing that you need. They have bearing kits, diagrams of their different bearings, explanations of the different seal types and so forth.
I don't want to have to strip down the bike and remove the bearings just to find out what size they are. If I'm stripping it down, I want to fit the new bearings there and then.

When I first used them, after a recco, Once I'd found my bearings, I checked the price on Google and they were competetive. Fast delvery too!

Trailvision - Bicycle Specific Bearings

Quality replacement bearings for mountain bikes and road bikes. Supplying Blueseal Bike Bearings for wheel hubs, frames, bottom brackets and headsets. trusted for Over 15 Years.

trailvision.co.uk

 

[GeordieKenevo]

TrailVison are good. They specialise in bearings for bikes. They have special ones they call "Blue Seal" that have upgraded seals and marine grease packing. They also have put themselves in the customer's position and make it as easy as possible to find the exact bearing that you need. They have bearing kits, diagrams of their different bearings, explanations of the different seal types and so forth.
I don't want to have to strip down the bike and remove the bearings just to find out what size they are. If I'm stripping it down, I want to fit the new bearings there and then.

When I first used them, after a recco, Once I'd found my bearings, I checked the price on Google and they were competetive. Fast delvery too!

Trailvision - Bicycle Specific Bearings

Quality replacement bearings for mountain bikes and road bikes. Supplying Blueseal Bike Bearings for wheel hubs, frames, bottom brackets and headsets. trusted for Over 15 Years.

trailvision.co.uk

Thanks - I'd forgot about them and they have 25% off a lot of stuff at the moment so just got full Kenevo pivot bearing kit for Gen 2 (12 x Blueseal MAX) for £49.49 inc p+p for when I'm next checking mine and no doubt replacing some