Fixing THE WORST Dirt Bike Swingarm Bearings (FROZEN SOLID) How To Remove & Repair | ANY Motorcycle

[@mxrevival]

📌 THANKS FOR WATCHING GUYS! Always reach out if you need helping hand: www.mxrevival.com/contact

[@chris929rr7]

had the same deal on an 89 yz250 seized swingarm bolt back in 04 had to use heat and lots of hammering thank god for all ballz kits! Had that thing back to OEM fresh rebuilt no side play no damage to the bike or swingarm.

[@croaker4163]

I've got a 91 rmx250 littered with a bunch of Works RM250 parts and I was equally as shocked to find out that all balls supplied every bearing and rebuild kit that you could possibly imagine for this bike! Very impressed with the quality. Awesome build by the way love it

[@jerrodq9733]

great video and what a headache! A general tip for anyone driving stuck bolts like this. Any time you can use a backing tool to prevent the material from bouncing so much, it will help a great deal. Some call it a backing dolly , hammer dolly, anvil, etc. It just has to be a heavy and rigid piece you hold against the piece you don't want to bounce so much, it could even be another hammer. Usually you want it to be at least as heavy as the striking hammer, but use whatever you have available. Doing this concentrates all the force to the joint you're trying to break free.

[@bbundridge]

Solid video! The bearings on my RM125 were also totally rusted and solid. It was a hell of a battle.

[@mxrevival]

Thank you Brian! Dude, always great to get a W in the situations. #UNDEFEATED

[@RadioReprised]

I love the cross referencing over so many years....I just regeared my 03 RM 250 with a sprocket I bought for my 90 DR-350 and never used but held on to for 33 years!

[@mxrevival]

Right!? Sometimes despite not being updated that really helps us consumers out

[@lloydisaacs415]

Fair enough matey Dr 350 great machine

[@brainstain22]

Ah man I had the EXACT same problem on my 92 RM125. I beat it for days.. weeks. Finally... I put propane through the hollow bolt and hallajuujha with enough poundage ... it broke loose. Never been so happy. Thankfully partzilla came through with a new bolt and nut (bearings and such). So ...now I'm glued to your channel like white on rice. So glad I found you doing this project. Thanks.

[@mxrevival]

Hell yes, you got it done! Hear our best friend sometimes. I remember being worried that I wasn’t going to be able to get that new swing arm main pin. Then it turned out I had two spares, because my 04 and 06 main pins ended up being the exact same part number! I’ll be using this 89 Build to fill in the gaps while we build the YZ 500 🔥 glad to have you!

[@NinjaBraap]

Yours pivot bolt actually came out easy by comparison. I did all of that, literally every bushing, bearing, and the engine rotate around the bolt except one bushing (bearing was still good), I did all of this plus was using a 5lb dead blow mini sledge style hammer, two handed, for an hour with drift down a socket so I could hold the hammer with two hands. Didn't budge a mm. Ended up have to cut the bolt out on one side, and drill the head (solid shank bolt, CRF150RB) to remove the head so I could remove the swingarm, then still had to use a 4 lb engineers hammer to small the remainder of the bolt and bushing out. Now the bearings that were in great shape have to be replaced, and I had to resurface that section of the swingarm, and replace everything else.

[@zachnelson6414]

man your getting good at these how to videos! I can see the years of working on bikes speaking for itself. I'm in the middle of my rm rebuild and I must say those cameron mx scuff pads are addicting hahah!

[@brettlaage9687]

That press and blind bearing puller are must haves.

[@brettlaage9687]

Also oxy/acetylene is very convincing on getting those stuck parts moving.

[@rmfun-qo3ge]

This was a great how to on swing arm bearings and the tools that need to be used! The upper cushion lever on my 1984 rm125 was the real monster.20 ton press and heat got it out though!! Old rm's are great bikes..

[@mxrevival]

Thanks for watching & hang onto that sweet Suzuki!

[@TheHemiphil81]

I really enjoy your videos. I think the way you explain everything you are doing has helped me learn to wrench on my bike... 🔥

[@mxrevival]

Thanks Phil! I appreciate the feedback and it's always great to know that I'm actually able to help in some way.

[@jedidan045]

Excellent video again sir!...I have an '89 RMX250 survivor that needs some maintenance done on it as well so I love watching this series...not trying to be too weird, but on my way home yesterday Tom Petty came on the radio and it instantly made me think of you haha...y'all could've been brothers!

[@cplandrew]

I just struggled last spring with this exact problem. I don't have a bearing press so I was using sockets and a large vice as a press. Lots of heat is definitely the key, I also used penetrating oil. Apply the penetrating oil then heat it till it boils and it works its way in to where you need it. Make some mess though. And because I didn't have a bearing press, I wasn't able to apply as much pressure with a vice as you were with a press I think.

[@Dirt_Bike_Dave]

Great video Charles !! ..I hate when swingarm bearings are rusted and frozen....that's why I grease them up often 🤣🤦‍♂️

[@mxrevival]

Thank you, you are a wise man for doing so!

[@artlizarraga677]

This is the best ever video tips and tricks ! Hope you get to rebuilt the whole bike as you often do ,

[@mxrevival]

Thanks Art! I think we're going to spruce this one up just a little bit for safety, and a little bit in the looks department. I'd love to restore it someday but we'll get some rides in first 🙋

[@drzrider3440]

I had one like this. Was on a buddies DRZ400E. The old ones actually have greese zerk fittings on them, yeah, on an offroad bike. Needless to say, water go it after they were broken off, and its stayed that way for years. Almost gave up up. Heat and more heat and let them sit over night in an oil bath. Then came out much easier.

[@mxrevival]

Good job staying on it! Honestly, I wouldn’t mind zerc fittings on all bikes, pivot points 😅

[@jamescallahan8417]

Thanks Charles another awesome video you do a very good job explaining step by step thanks again.

[@mxcollin95]

Good stuff man. Thanks for posting. 🤙

[@mxrevival]

Hell yes, thanks for watching

[@brandonfontaine285]

I recently made the mistake of trying to drive bearing through link arm not realizing I needed a puller. Bearing lip is all mangled. Hoping the puller kit I ordered can save me

[@archiermx250]

Rmx250 has zurk fittings in ends of suspension shaft bolts which is probably why that kit had holes in inserts.

[@jordanpanich]

My most feared job on builds! Nice tutorial. RIP 1/2" extension! You will live on to fight another pivot bolt!

[@mxrevival]

Hahahahahaha still some life in that bad boy huh! Thanks J, fear not!

[@scufxz6841]

I got a 85 kawasaki 125 and I was fixing to pull the motor out and I got a screwdriver stuck in the swing arm I’ve taken motors out of way older bikes and never had to use lubricants or violent force so I’m going to try to get a stand like yours and remove the shock and all of that stuff that you did the bolt holds the swing arm and the motor in which sucks

[@Junior-fd8ux]

Great video love the content. Have a. 92 rm250 it was my bike from high school i never let go an glad I didn’t

[@mxrevival]

That is so awesome you held on to it. Not many can do that or ever will. I'm glad you kept it too. Thanks for watching! This Saturday we will do a big footpeg upgrade together.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

@@mxrevival I’m loving it bro, missed the 1st RM video and catching it now lol. Iv been hoarding parts for years and haven’t finished anything.. thanks for the inspiration brother.

[@Junior-fd8ux]

@@mxrevival btw I rode that 92 rm250 for two summers giving it so so maintenance not knowing better and it took the beating like a champ lol. It’s done me right.

[@robmack151]

You're killing it!

[@mxrevival]

Thank you Mr Mack 🔥

[@sambuvca22]

copper fitting cleaning brushes work awesome for cleaning the holes as well

[@mxrevival]

Great tip

[@josephchambers5400]

I don’t have access to a actual press but I’ve found a ball joint press works wonders on swingarm bearings

[@mxrevival]

That is a great idea, and even better they are free to rent at most auto parts stores if somebody doesn’t own one.

[@bisurdaddy]

When you have a rusty, seized anything take a container and mix up some magic penetrating potion. Fifty fifty mix of acetone and ATF. Apply liberally to rusty nuts, then go eat lunch. Come back in 30 minutes and remove frozen fastener with ease. You're welcome.

[@bknoxx]

always stoke for your Videos C.. ive been looking at lifts stands myself im 47 now and when i get up from crouching down feels like i got my ass kicked hahah ... they say dont let the calipers hang it pulls on the pressure crimped ends and can leak but ive never had it happen

[@mxrevival]

Thanks bro! Is this Ken? If not, I just sent Ken an email so I could hook him up with a lift stand 🔥 I figured the same about the brake line, as it seems common sense not to let it hang with all that weight on it. But like you said, it's also plenty durable I'm sure. Thanks again for watching this one and the full grease video that I just commented back at you on.

[@bknoxx]

@@mxrevival no its brian i can send a message about the stand

[@chihuahuaverde425]

Thanks for the products All Balls!

[@mxrevival]

Did a bunch of orders for the YZ500 last night through my dealer account, and could not believe some of the stuff they offer now. Stoked! Things like brake caliper pistons.…

[@robertwoods2505]

Holy crap man, what a PITA! Just a little grease and that swingarm bolt would have slid right out. Great job Charles. Is that a 20 ton press?

[@mxrevival]

Haha! Good content for everyone! We'll go ahead and keep it the way you just said from here on out, lubricated and easy to work on in the future. Yes sir it is the harbor freight 20 ton press. The 12 ton has been out of stock for a long time and I was unable to bring my previous 12 ton when we moved.

[@MOBLEY49]

Hey Charles it’s James I just watched the video how cool you have one that year and it’s not hammered. Seen on the bike you have a set of metezler mc360’s how do they preform , how do you like them ? Also are they soft/ med or med/ hard? Let me know what you think Thanks man

[@mxrevival]

Thanks for watching! The tires worked great, I had never used them before and they were already on the bike when I bought it. They hooked up really great on the very short ride I got in with them.

[@allenrish5993]

Enjoy your video’s. How do you find your parts? I need a new hose for my rear shock reservoir on my 1982 Suzuki PE 175. It is mounted on my frame.

[@mxrevival]

Thank you Allen 💪 for some of the extra hard to find parts like that, or parts for this older Suzuki... I've been having incredible luck with a company in the Netherlands called Cmsnl. Pretty amazing what I've been able to locate on there and they ship quickly. If you get stuck and they don't have it, which is always possible because the bike is so much older, eBay is a really great resource as well. Even if you have to buy a complete shock to get the part you need. Here's the parts microfiche on Cmsnl for your bikes rear shock. www.cmsnl.com/suzuki-pe175-1982-z-usa-e03_model16145/partslist/BLCK0036.html#.YvesPqRMFSA

[@juanjosemunozgarcia1276]

Awesome mate I do these to my bike suzuki rm 2 stroke 2007

[@mxrevival]

🤘🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@Paavo13]

glad to hear as a first time bike owner that im not the special one with my frozen swing axle🤣 i got it moving that 1cm but still working on it more heat i guess and violence

[@mxrevival]

Rage Activated!! 😂 Crush that darn thing my man!

[@Paavo13]

@@mxrevival I made it yesterday👌blowed with heat and 5kg hammer 200 times about 🤣🤣

[@northernmx5973]

Sometimes loosening the engine mounting bolts and the top mounting plates can help loosen up those swing arm axles too because it lets everything move and not bind as much. It also helps when you put the axle back in. Great video tho man

[@mxrevival]

That's a great point. I've seen guys use this method when putting bikes back together for the first time and before setting final torque. I could 100% see how that would be a great aid as even a little tiny bit could be extremely helpful in this situation. Great value comment, thanks dude!

[@danielarney9729]

Think of all the changing times that bike lived through, amazing it's not ikea furniture by now. Got yourself a new swing arm shaft punch. Time for acetylene oxygen hot wrench rig. Bikes should have zerks. In 98 I had slightly worse condition on an 81 cr250 with broken in half swing arm needle bearings that punched through bearing housing(much thinner wall than that rm bearing housing) and embedded into aluminum swing arm. Most people have little time to ride, even less to tear a bike down, or a families small fleet of clappers every year. Watch out, bearing puller collets flanges break on rough stuff.

[@anthonyshaw7251]

Hi Charles enjoying your videos, I did schoolboy mx in the 80s, makes me wonder if you could modify the swing arm pin (blank each end) & fit a grease nipple, you’d have to turn the seals so grease could pass out, this would be a double plus, as the lip of the seal would stop dirt/water getting into the bearing, the bush has a hole in already, might even get grease around shank going through engine case, just a thought, 👍😎

[@mxrevival]

Hi Anthony, thanks for the compliment and for watching. I really appreciate it 💪 it's a great idea. Have you ever heard of a company called Steelhorse Innovations? He makes a product similar to that, at least I'm envisioning you're describing. It has a main pin that has zerk fittings on either side and can be greased to lubricate the swingarm bearings. He was kind enough to donate one to a YZ 300 project I have going, that I really need to finish 🙃 I think a product like that, at a bare minimum, will keep things from freezing even if the grease doesn't quite make it to the bearing

[@anthonyshaw7251]

Totally agree, any is better than none ( keep them wet, that’s what I say lol) Sorry no, I’m in the UK, will look them up though. Makes sense to me if these parts were greasable, heard of many people struggling getting these apart, for me I tend to look at modifying what has gone before, struggle once, make it easy next time, (I’m not building bikes though). Keep it up 👍😎

[@anthonyshaw7251]

Just looked them up & watched the video, yeah that’s it exactly, would imagine you can do that by modifying the normal swing arm bolt, sure it would be straightforward with basic engineering equipment & knowledge. It appeared the swing arm bolt you removed was hollow, couple of holes each side, tap the ends to blank, then tap for a grease fitting.

[@MrPauldoes]

Wow I have an 1986 RM 250 with the exact same thing. I worked at it for hours

[@mxrevival]

brutal!!

[@drkaymotorsports]

You said the center linkage for the rear shock is "not built like that anymore"... I beg to differ... check out the 2023 RM85. Same setup still. Of course the bike hasn't been updated in 20 years.

[@mxrevival]

True!

[@chrisvozza6530]

Dam I better lube my swingarm bolt before it seases like that. awsome vid👍👍

[@mxrevival]

Thank you Chris! You may not need it but here's a little video on how to break down your entire chassis and grease it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn2bc6Vthd-kq6c

[@lloydisaacs415]

What is the grey bike next to your work area i want one is it a husqvarna

[@1176hambone]

Where did you get that sleeve you used to push the race through?

[@mxrevival]

Just a socket, use one that fits the bearing outer diameter (OD) to push them through 💪

[@benjaminappold4081]

"needs more love. and by love I mean fire" 🤣

[@mxrevival]

FIRE!! 🔥 thanks for watching!

[@lloydisaacs415]

I really need to get back into motocross/trials. I have a small problem lack of funds those bikes aren't cheap hoping to win lottery and then i can get every bike make and for my friends get themm a bike d each big dreams i hope come true.

[@stringbender247]

What model Metzler tire is that it's got huge knobbies

[@markkus1134]

Made it harder than it needed to be lube is your friend never not use it on stuck swing arm bolts

[@mxrevival]

Thanks for watching 👍

[@mxcollin95]

There’s not much out there that can withstand the good ole heat n beat removal method.

[@mxrevival]

It doesn’t matter if it’s in the shop, or the bedroom 😂 #Undefeated

[@elkku2934]

Hey, do i need to replace bearing sleeves too?

[@mxrevival]

If you are replacing the bearing, then it’s a good idea to replace the sleeve too. That way, they can wear together. Typically, when you buy a kit, it will come with the bearings and the sleeves so you should be good there. You can get solo parts like the Bearing without the sleeve when you are purchasing OEM. But that can be much more expensive, so it’s something to consider.

[@sambuvca22]

sometimes i loosen motor mounts to get swingarm pin out

[@mxrevival]

Also a great tip. Thank you for watching 💪💪💪

[@bubster1981]

lightweight alum calipers can hang till the cows return, its mostly an auto thing where theyre big n heavy iron

[@mxrevival]

Good tip! Thank you!

[@michaelandmariedownes6070]

Rippa video, makes me want to go buy some more professional equipment 😂

[@timothykittle3165]

Those calibers aren't heavy if you have heavy calibers, it'll stretch the line and then when you go pump on the brakes, line will act like a balloon and wont stop

[@mxrevival]

Great tip! Thanks for watching!

[@johnmeintanis5610]

Mine was worse... the bearings where one thing with the body of the linkage

[@mxrevival]

Ouch!

[@alasdair4161]

I'm there right now, DR200 and the pin is 100% fused to the engine case. I have a good metal shop and resorted to making a puller with 80x25 flat bar and 2x25mm threaded rods. I machined a hollow spigot to receive the head of the bolt, pulled it to 50 tonnes with a 350lb rattle gun then used the pneumatic hammer on the press bolt (machined from a grade 12.9 16mm bolt) I drilled the engine casing to get some penetrating oil in a few days before, then heated the casing with a mapp torch until it was smoking hard. I laid in more blows with a 5lb hammer and the pneumatic and kept winding more torque. It all failed, turned out the receiver dolly, machined from solid chromolly steel with 5mm wall and 0.2mm inside clearance to the bolt head crushed into the frame ear, deformed the steel and rolled off the edge, killing any chance of using that system again... not sure where to go from here. This job goes down as the hardest seized bolt removal in my engineering career. My next step is cutting the swingarm away to remove the engine then get that on the bridgeport... ugh.

[@kilatore667]

tried all and nothing :( ,, great video

[@mxrevival]

More heat, and more time. It will come out! 🙏

[@kilatore667]

@@mxrevival got it finally,, now i need to figure out if their is any bearings in the engine hole ???

[@gutrali]

you didnt want to pull the swing arm into itself with the press, so you pulled the swing arm into itself with the slide hammer puller

[@RealSuburbanCowboy]

I can't believe you didn't douse that thing in lube. Great video though.

[@border411]

Known issue with an xr250. Bolt seizes into the back of the engine case. You are f'd if that happens

[@evo5349]

When you use a hammer grab the handle from the end that's what it's for, when I was a apprentice many moons ago if we where caught doing that we where given all the dirty jobs for a week.

[@mxrevival]

I remember getting popped for stuff like that in the electrical trade!

[@evo5349]

@@mxrevival Enjoyed it but the hammer did my head but the bearing kit is very good. Go All balls.

[@ShaDowF50]

Thundercrakr already being passed around on Facebook marketplace … what a shame

[@michealrowland7382]

I’d buy it just to get it back into the lineup of YZ’s Charles has I think it would be epic. I almost want to go check out thundercrackr in person because I’m very close

[@mxrevival]

Really? I need to see that...

[@mxrevival]

If you guys have a link, that would be awesome. I'm not sure if it's in Idaho or down in Texas now

[@ShaDowF50]

@@mxrevival it’s in Post Falls, ID

[@kellybrown6988]

Uhhh I don’t have a press, I’m screwed! Lol

[@mxrevival]

Haha no way! Just get yourself a piece of 3/8” threaded rod & an assortment of washers in sizes that lay on the bearings OD much like the sockets do in the video. Get a few nuts for the threaded rod to “tighten” the bearings into your part. You can do the same thing with a vice sockets. 👌

[@mixtips637]

Lets go Brandon Rite Charles

[@mxrevival]

I'm ready for the whole thing to collapse 🔥

[@tannerhasdowns]

Fix it with fire 🔥

[@mxrevival]

It be like that sometimes! 🔥🤘

[@jamesmitchell2642]

Thank you, i was loosing hope

[@bendeleckeiii4229]

Hope u like this trick. When you get it past frame on start. You make a special socket for a 1/2" drive. Then spin back and forth. BAM!!!! It's free. Just a little mod

[@bendeleckeiii4229]

Instead of slide hammer use a threaded rod, flat washer, your spacer and nut. Pulls right out.

[@bendeleckeiii4229]

Put something between your swingarm when you press... Then you can press both ways. Arm won't bend if it's tight