[vintageperspective]

Hey fellas, I was wondering if anyone has replaced needle bearings in a kickstart axle before? I bought a new axle from England (thanks, triumph twin spares), but I was soon to find out the needle bearings were gone and the outer sleeve of the bearing was still there! On my LAST axle, I tried everything under the sun, but still couldn't get the damned sleeve out-this is what led to the NEW axle purchase.

Any ideas? Should I just force the needles into the sleeve that's there? has anyone had great success using a bearing puller of a specific brand?

Thanks for any help at all,
your local backyard bozo-
VP

 

[Goldy]

Hey fellas, I was wondering if anyone has replaced needle bearings in a kickstart axle before? I bought a new axle from England (thanks, triumph twin spares), but I was soon to find out the needle bearings were gone and the outer sleeve of the bearing was still there! On my LAST axle, I tried everything under the sun, but still couldn't get the damned sleeve out-this is what led to the NEW axle purchase.

Any ideas? Should I just force the needles into the sleeve that's there? has anyone had great success using a bearing puller of a specific brand?

Thanks for any help at all,
your local backyard bozo-
VP

I assume you are talking about a unit 500 triumph engine, I haven't come up with any sort of magic bullet for removing those bearing race shells, other than cutting them out with a Dremmel tool (and patience)...I suppose there has got to be somebody out there with a better idea, even one that might save the bearing if it was fit to reuse. In any case you ought to install a new bearing in the kick shaft...don't bang it in with a hammer or force it in, you will only destroy it!!! Your best bet is to get somebody to machine you a suitable brass drift (same diameter as the layshaft, with a shoulder just slightly smaller than the bearing shell OD) and after heating the shaft in the oven (when the wife isn't home), carefully tap, or better yet, press it into place.
Lots'a luck, I hope this helps.

 

[lilbill]

no triumph expert here and can't help with getting the shell out but when you install the new bearing i think some (all? ) caged needle bearings are pressed in from the side with the numbers stamped on it or it can pinch the rollers.

 

[vintageperspective]

Thanks, Goldy-

You were definitely right. I bought a bearing puller, (from harbor freight for $12). It is really made for wheel bearing, and that is what its best at. It didn't work on the axle bearing sleeve.

The BEST way that I found (and believe me, I tried every thing) Is to get a dremel with a small cut-off wheel (if you dont have a small enough one, wear a big one down on a piece of scrap to get the right size). CUT that thing out! Even if you do hit the axle, it doesnt matter as long as you file down any burs before installing the new bearing. I made "X" like cuts and wedged a supper small flat head and in about 3 minutes had the whole sleeve out. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN THAT TWO WEEKS AGO!! I could have saved SO much time (and about $40 all in all) if I had known this sooner.

Thanks Jocks!