You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Swapped all my pivot bearings over winter. After only two rides the horst link bearings have tonnes of play in them already, which I cant believe. I put in Enduro bearings thinking they would be good, but it seems not. Anyone got a recommendation for some bearings that will last longer than two rides!!
There's lots of cheap shit bearings online described as enduro, it's not a guarantee of quality. First Q would be how did you fit the bearings? Press in or hammer and socket?.
I used the "Enduro" brand - http://www.wychbearings.co.uk/398-E-LLU-MAX-Enduro.html
Used a press to put them in....nice and gentle!
They sound like decent enough bearings but maybe they are not?
They should definitely last more than 2 rides, and if you got them from Wych they shouldn't be cheap knock-offs. Are the bolts properly torqued, and threadlocked, and were the bearings seated correctly when you bolted up?
Is it definitely the bearings?
They should definitely last more than 2 rides, and if you got them from Wych they shouldn’t be cheap knock-offs. Are the bolts properly torqued, and threadlocked, and were the bearings seated correctly when you bolted up?
Torque wrenched to 7nm, blue threadlock, seated square (as best I could tell)
Is it definitely the bearings?
As far as I can tell. Removed the bolts this morning and dropped the link out for closer inspection. When I put the bolt back in and wiggle up and down I can see the inner bearing race moving a lot. More than the old bearings I took out! It is weird. They were solid two rides ago. Might just have to try again. Maybe just bad luck!
You say they're loose. Have you opened them to see why?
There is no such thing as bad luck. My money is on duff bearings or more likely accidental damage during installation.
You say they’re loose. Have you opened them to see why?
Just took at outer seal off to have a look --- nothing really out of the ordinary. All greased nicely. Everything looks new, as would be expected from new bearings. No crushed balls etc. The race just has a lot of free movement - the balls don't seem to have play. It looks like the inner race is just to small! Hard to say though.
One side is miles worse the other (dare to say the other is okish). Could be duff bearing or damage during installation, although I struggle to see how I could have done this. They are not hard to put in. Either way, I'll order another one and see what happens...Same bearing again...hmm, not sure!
Speak to the retailer.
Contacted Wych bearings and explained the situation and fair play to them they offered to send me a new bearing. So great service from them. I'm really hoping it was a dud bearing otherwise I have another issue all together!
Sounds like a duff bearing tbh, good service from wych too. 👌🏻
Op, how did you install them? Bearing press or one of the many other methods.