Bjorn Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 Hi everybody! I'm new to the forum, I have been reading a lot since i bought my V11 Ballabio this summer. Found lots of very handy info for my new bike. It's winter time here in the Netherlands so im doing some maintenance on the bike. Previous owners did not really give it a lot of ''love'' to say the least. Not all is bad! went over the major things and found nothing shocking so far. Today I took off the rear wheel in order to clean, inspect and lube components such as bearings, U-joint the lot. I found this needle bearing located on the RH side of the rear drive housing. The axle was lubricated however the needle bearing looks shot. Its filled with red corrosion and needs replacement. Below some pictures of this needle bearing: no. 30 = bearing inner race no. 31. = needle bearing I cant really understand why there is no seal to protect this bearing? There is a steel washer mounted between the bearing and the inner surface of the swingarm, i cant imagine this protects the bearing against water and other debris..... Secondly I cant really see the point of this bearing (please feel free to teach me). The axle is not rotating, so why is this bearing here?
Trevini Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 That is correct that there is no seal. Most of us give it a good grease up whenever the rear wheel is off. Whilst you're correct in saying the axle doesn't rotate, the drive assembly is subject to movement as the suspension rises and falls, so it does move in small increments. I think there was thread a while back where a solid spacer had been machined to fit in place of the bearing. Personally, I'd be inclined to replace the bearing and ensure it's well greased in future. I don't know what thoughts others have on using silicon grease on this bearing? I've used it in kingpin bearings on cars without ill effect (where they are subject to water ingress. i.e 4x4s etc). This is what I use...Waterproof grease linky
docc Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 Being a cheap old git , I would be inclined to clean it all up and make a close inspection. It bears very little load and the arc of movement is maybe 20˚ or so. If it has suffered a bit, that section can be rotated to the forward position to give some more service as the wear typically occurs at the rear. As Trevini says, a good dose of waterproof grease is necessary. Probably at every tire change. See also the Wheels Off Maintenance Checklist in FAQ Enjoy! (BTW, looking back at your picture, it makes me think this would be a good time to inspect, clean and grease the shock eyes and the swingarm bearings.)
AndyH Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 Based on previous threads about this bearing, you'll realise that removal is a total PIA and only to be attempted if the thing is completely shot. "Discretion is the better part of Valour" as someone (Shakespeare probably?) said
Kiwi_Roy Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 When you are installing the wheel be careful to get the washer (33) back in place otherwise it can drop down and jamb the bearing.
gstallons Posted December 31, 2013 Posted December 31, 2013 It probably should have had a bronze bushing but it didn't . It will not be too difficult to get the diff. off the bike & replace .
stefano Posted January 1, 2014 Posted January 1, 2014 docc, as often as you change rear tires, i bet yours looks like new...ha,ha... happy new year!!
docc Posted January 1, 2014 Posted January 1, 2014 docc, as often as you change rear tires, i bet yours looks like new...ha,ha... happy new year!! Guilty . . .
Bjorn Posted January 2, 2014 Author Posted January 2, 2014 I did find some old post regarding this subject. It looks quite difficult to get the needle bearing out with a bearing puller..... I know this bearing is not the most critcal, but I do want to replace it. I have to admit im not to keen on dissabling the entrire gearbox to get to the bearing from the inside (and push it outwards). Does anybody know the best methode? I'm a bit worried about taking the gearbox apart due to all the other bearings and seals which are in there, and damaging them. A bronze bussing does seem like a good alternative.
Bjorn Posted January 2, 2014 Author Posted January 2, 2014 This is the inside race of the bearing. You can see and feel the marks where the needle rusted into the steel.
docc Posted January 2, 2014 Posted January 2, 2014 How does it look 180˚ around? And after the clean up? No doubt, this one a candidate for replacement!
Bjorn Posted January 2, 2014 Author Posted January 2, 2014 This is after a thorough washing with petrol and a brush. The whole surface is affected/corroded. Since it is winter and i'm not in a hurry I want to make a bronze bushing to replace the bearing. Checking the swingarm bearing is a good tip, ill look into that.
docc Posted January 2, 2014 Posted January 2, 2014 Uugh! That's after the clean-up? There's a good thread going here, that will help with swingarm removal, by Keith Foster: Removing Nero Corsa "pork chops"
andy york Posted January 2, 2014 Posted January 2, 2014 i to have thought of using a brass bushing BUT the steel needles are harder than the bronze will be and I would hate to have bits of bronze floating around. Now ....On the other hand ....If you can get a bronze bushing to replace the complete bearing assembly ...thats and even better idea So your just not replacing the inner race of that bearing but the whole bearing. I can see this being misunderstood and someone just replacing the inner race. more thoughts later
docc Posted January 2, 2014 Posted January 2, 2014 Looks another perfect application for Delrin . . .
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