Tips on installing swingers shock mount bushings and needle bearing conversion

[alexdecker]

Hey all

Just my swingers (and the rest of the frame) back from powder coating. I need to install the shock mount bushing. The old ones were such a pain to get off, so already fearing getting new ones on. Any advice for that? I have zero special tools - only a cheap vice and basic tools. No press.

Also, I got a needle bearing conversion kit as well. Any tips or advice on installing that?

- Alex

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

For the metal/rubber bush I put mine in the deep freeze for 24 hours having greased the hole - I used a big rubber mallet to knock it most of the way in.  The last couple of mm I used some threaded bar with nuts & big washers.
Not done needle rollers mine were the the brass bush replacements from NJ.

[Oddjob]

As Ted says, freeze the parts, if possible warm the swinging arm as well, maybe stand it out in the sun (if it ever comes out that is).

Buy a long 10mm threaded stud bar, make sure it's longer than the swinging arm pivot tube AND the needle roller, thick washers and just pull the bearings into position, use a good fitting socket afterwards to sink them into the arm. Same trick with the rear bushes, they are easier to get in than out, if the stud bar is long enough you can pull them both in at the same time. . Protect your new paintwork from the washers by using some rubber etc underneath, something like a folded piece of inner tube.

[alexdecker]

Thanks for the advice. I just realised that the powdercoater did not cover the shock mount bushing holes or the hole for the needle bearing. The painting seems quite thick. I think that's gonna be a problem…

Oh well - sanding is a nice way to spend ones time I guess…

[Oddjob]

Try a sharp blade first. sometimes you can just peel it off.