Linkage bearing help.

[coleman]

Hi,

I took apart my linkage and a few of the bearings are full of grit. I took them into the local shop and the mechanic said they would be fine as long as I cleaned them out really well. He told me to clean them with solvent then blow them out with compressed air. Later, I was working the bearing back and forth and a few of the pins fell out. No big deal, I can put them back in. But, this has got me wondering if compressed air will blow all of the pins out entirely.

The mechanic also suggested that I buy some bel-ray 6 in 1 cleaner and lubricant. He said its really good at eating the rust. It was 12 bucks for a can but I sure there's something else out there that's similar for a quarter of the price. Anyone know what I could use?

 

[arjay]

Some bearings have a cage that holds the needle rollers in place and stop them falling out. Others have no cage and the needle rollers are designed to fall out when you're cleaning them. Take them all out and clean them and the bearing race with petrol and a toothbrush. Just dry them off and pack them back in with plenty of fresh grease. Remember how many go back into each bearing. Use a good soft grease with water repelling qualities.

 

[agitt73]

MARINE GREASE WORKS REALY WELL

 

[fishhead]

My favorite grease is #2 red lithium base grease. Some brands pass an 80lb timkin load test and have excellent water repellent qualities. it's cheap and is often used in boat trailer wheel bearings. It seems to work better than moly or aluminum based greases.

 

[MikeS]

Just some caution. What you are doing is no more than a bandaide. Once rust sets in.....life expectancy has gone way way down. Tf you could polish the rust off each needle then you have a chance. The rust will act as sand paper and wear the sleeve, then the cage. You will start to feel alot of play in the bearing very soon. :( but it will get you out for a few rides:)