My dad showed me how to repack needle bearings Use an extendable magnet to pull the needles out (keeps you from dropping them) and put them in a spray paint can lid and wash with brake clean. Then dry them. Wash the race out with brake clean as well. When everything is clean, smear a healthy layer of grease in all the way around, then start packing the needles back in. The grease will easily hold them. I like this method because you have 100% new grease. And can be sure there’s no moisture or grit in it
I watched a few other videos that describe this process but yours is one of the best. I didn't realize that brand new bikes do not come with any grease in the linkage (or any other bearings) and this is something that should absolutely be done when you get a new bike home. After watching your video, I decided to grease my linkage bearings again. The manual says every 7.5 hours . That's two weeks for me so I 'm not doing it that soon. However, it shows how important this maintenance is, along with cleaning the air filter and changing the oil/filter. Since I've done it before, it was actually easy to do and took less than thirty minutes, which includes almost ten minutes looking up the torque specifications for the nuts Thanks!
It is insane how little grease new bikes come with. Whenever I buy a new bike it immediately comes apart to grease every bearing. 15 hours is what I go by and never had one issue with bearings wearing. Thanks for checking out the video!
Last year I bought a 2001 rm250 2 stroke and just did some work on it the other day, greased kickstart pivot point, lubed throttle cable, lubed and tightened chain. I was watching most overlooked bike maintenance it said linkage greasing. Searched it up and found you had a video on it. I was stoked. Also I’m loving the cr250 build. Keep strong 💪👍 great work again!!!!!!
Cameron Niemela true that, the shock bearing on this Yz 125 project I'm doing basically melted into it, had to use a grinder and a torch to get it out lol
I like all your videos, on the torqueing of the suspension bolts, you can torque those that have bearings on or off the stand. With rubber bushings though, those need to be torqued at ride height with the weight it will be ran at. If they are torqued on a lift or stand when at weight they will be under pressure wanting to be back where they were torqued at and will tear out quickly.
Just found this channel yesterday I love the quality of your videos you deserve a lot more subs I also love your bike I have a 04 yz125 it’s not as clean as that cr doe
Nice approach, Cameron should have watched this first. Doing mine; vstrom 2015 (17k miles), so first check down there! MY BAD! Luckily only re-greasing needed. Cheers man!
I was restoring a 1998 rm125, and I took out every little needle bearing and rebuilt it, it wasn't too hard, I wouldn't be too scarred if they come apart
I love this bro, one of the smartest and cleanest dude I've ever seen we will ride together one day, if you ain't never rode West Virginia hills then you haven't been nowhere as far as riding off road on bikes
Not shure if this is right, but I take the needle bearings out and clean them and put grease on the needles so the stay against the wall and it works great.
One thing ive noticed about every mx bike ive bought since 1980... 67. They never come properly grease. The headset bearings get about a Q-tip amount of grease and the rest of the pivots and bearings are near dry. If you want amazing water proof grease try castrol pyroplex blue. If you get it on your hands water makes it stick more. Gas or wd40 to help clean your hands... lol good stuff
Awesome videos man! How to's are well spoken and described. Even mentioning the torque specs when other guys would just say look them up. Keep up the great work man!
yea i don't think the last owner of my crf450r did any of that and all i did was set it down, they all fell out all over the place lol. i had no clue what happened until i had looked it up. i just ordered a whole new linkage set and made sure they were all greased up.
Thanks so much for this video it helped soooooo much. Can you do a video on crf450r water pump seal repair? There are videos out there but your videos are way better and simple then most.
Just subscribed!! I just bought a 2005 cr85r, needs some work which I planned for. Checking out vids of things I have to do on my bike and found this channel. Cameron, I have to say...I totally agree with all of the great comments below. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Cameron appreciate all the time and effort you put into these I hope you're getting the recognition you deserve by people buying their parts off of you. ☆☆☆☆☆
I put new linkage bearings and shock bearings in my yz 250. And after I still had alil slop very very small. But it was the swing arm bearings too!!!! Love ur videos bro. Be over at seven Mile orv wekken of the 29th 30th of May 2020. Let's ride!!!
You should see the swing arm on the project I picked up, got a spare one cheap?? The one that’s on it is to far gone. Also have any bolts? (I’ve got a 1997)
Fantastic camera and editing work. Your videos have no doubt inspired me to tear apart my filthy WR426 sumo this winter. Since I won't have access to a pressure washer when its 20 degrees outside, how do you suggest I go about cleaning each piece? We've got a solvent tank but that's not ideal for most parts I wouldn't think.
Thanks man! Solvent tanks actually work great for cleaning parts. Really depends on what chemicals and brushes you are using. Straight up solvent will clean amazing, but is nasty to work with. A heated water based degreaser is what I use.
Just did mine following the vid, ktm 250sx much more annoying to get that top bolt as my lowered foot peg was in the way (will take it off next time ) !. Man 1 of my bearings did not look too good. Couldnt even get the caps off the lower shock.bearing.. will be replacing all these after my next ride
I would guess it's from someone installing the slide with the needle not straight. That will bend the needle, I've seen it happen before. I might have even done that once lol
I have a question, My way of cleaning and greasing the linkage bearings is to get all the needles out, clean the whole bearing cage (and needles) entirely, then greas everything and put it back together. But is it bad to take all the needles out? because I don't see any reason why it should. but I never see anyone do it the way I do haha also, great videos man!
Thanks for watching! Nothing wrong at all with removing all the needles, just takes much longer having to assemble all the needles back together. If that's what you prefer then keep doing it that way. When I come across linkage that is dry and needs a good cleaning I'll take all the needles out.
If you take it apart and there all stuffed it gonna cost you abit of money my ktm only has a top and a bottom bushing as its derect and has no linkages so it was cheap to do
skippygirl959 well if u have grease on hand already it's cheaper. I've never done this before but it's just what I'm guessing if there's no need for buying new ones
You should tell people to take the weight off the rear wheel so it doesn’t squish the chain guide roller, 🤔 when the bike is sitting on a stand anyways when working on the rear suspension
20 hours?? And that bike was been finished about 1.5 years i think from this video. I have owned my 125 ktm sx for almost 2 months and already ridden it almost 60 hours
Hey buddy! Yeah cases can be split without the tool. Using a soft hammer or wood block to protect the crank and transmission shafts while you smack them with a hammer will split the cases.
Do you have acess to yz85 or similar? I’m attempting to do a replacement on bearings and it seems as if my moose racing kit sent me the wrong washers and/or missing pieces .
Does anyone know or could the owner of this channel help? Why would a 2007 ktm 85sx newly rebuilt be leaking clutch fluid into the motor? It’s coming out when I change the oil ??? Any one know the fix? I’m thinking it’s the Slavs cylinder seal but I’m not sure
linkage bearings dont need that much attention, for most people 30-40 hours is fine. as the thing that kill bearings, is the seal not sealing as it should. then shit starts to come inside the bearing.
My dad showed me how to repack needle bearings
Use an extendable magnet to pull the needles out (keeps you from dropping them) and put them in a spray paint can lid and wash with brake clean. Then dry them. Wash the race out with brake clean as well. When everything is clean, smear a healthy layer of grease in all the way around, then start packing the needles back in. The grease will easily hold them.
I like this method because you have 100% new grease. And can be sure there’s no moisture or grit in it
Awesome idea I’m gonna try this
I watched a few other videos that describe this process but yours is one of the best. I didn't realize that brand new bikes do not come with any grease in the linkage (or any other bearings) and this is something that should absolutely be done when you get a new bike home.
After watching your video, I decided to grease my linkage bearings again. The manual says every 7.5 hours . That's two weeks for me so I 'm not doing it that soon. However, it shows how important this maintenance is, along with cleaning the air filter and changing the oil/filter.
Since I've done it before, it was actually easy to do and took less than thirty minutes, which includes almost ten minutes looking up the torque specifications for the nuts
Thanks!
It is insane how little grease new bikes come with. Whenever I buy a new bike it immediately comes apart to grease every bearing. 15 hours is what I go by and never had one issue with bearings wearing. Thanks for checking out the video!
Thanks for showing me how easy it is to lube the linkage!!
Your channel is seriously under-rated.
Ive gotten so rusty with young kids man, you are bringing back to where I used to be. Thanks, so much.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Definitely alot more detailed then others ive seen! Others just tear it apart without being able to see which bolts to take out first
I love your videos Cameron, you’re the one keeping my bike running for a long time. Thanks again!!
Last year I bought a 2001 rm250 2 stroke and just did some work on it the other day, greased kickstart pivot point, lubed throttle cable, lubed and tightened chain. I was watching most overlooked bike maintenance it said linkage greasing. Searched it up and found you had a video on it. I was stoked. Also I’m loving the cr250 build. Keep strong 💪👍 great work again!!!!!!
Happy to hear that man! Thanks for watching the videos!
Best explanation for this job I’ve seen
Crf80 here we come
Thanks Chris!
Doing this to a Yz 125 project, people neglect their bearings and shit hits the fan real quick!
Jack Guerra Ayyy Jack good to see you here man
Wheelie Will yeah Cameron is my boy!
Right on man! Sucks tearing into bikes that have been clapped out and every bearing falls apart lol.
Cameron Niemela true that, the shock bearing on this Yz 125 project I'm doing basically melted into it, had to use a grinder and a torch to get it out lol
I like all your videos, on the torqueing of the suspension bolts, you can torque those that have bearings on or off the stand. With rubber bushings though, those need to be torqued at ride height with the weight it will be ran at. If they are torqued on a lift or stand when at weight they will be under pressure wanting to be back where they were torqued at and will tear out quickly.
Just found this channel yesterday I love the quality of your videos you deserve a lot more subs I also love your bike I have a 04 yz125 it’s not as clean as that cr doe
Nice approach, Cameron should have watched this first.
Doing mine; vstrom 2015 (17k miles), so first check down there!
MY BAD!
Luckily only re-greasing needed.
Cheers man!
I was restoring a 1998 rm125, and I took out every little needle bearing and rebuilt it, it wasn't too hard, I wouldn't be too scarred if they come apart
That's a good way of doing it as well, just takes much longer.
I hope the little bike goes as smoothly as yours
I love this bro, one of the smartest and cleanest dude I've ever seen we will ride together one day, if you ain't never rode West Virginia hills then you haven't been nowhere as far as riding off road on bikes
and I'll be the tour guide and who knows we might be able to start a franchise for outside riders wanting some expert trails
Videos are addicting brotha, keep them coming. Your motivating me to get back into riding. Best times of my life were spent on two wheels!
So cool to hear! Thanks for checking out the videos.
Not shure if this is right, but I take the needle bearings out and clean them and put grease on the needles so the stay against the wall and it works great.
One thing ive noticed about every mx bike ive bought since 1980... 67. They never come properly grease. The headset bearings get about a Q-tip amount of grease and the rest of the pivots and bearings are near dry. If you want amazing water proof grease try castrol pyroplex blue. If you get it on your hands water makes it stick more. Gas or wd40 to help clean your hands... lol good stuff
Awesome videos man! How to's are well spoken and described. Even mentioning the torque specs when other guys would just say look them up. Keep up the great work man!
Great video!!! Can you please do a video on how to grease swingarm bearings? Tks!
Would you recommend taking the swing arm off and greasing that bearing to?
Your vids are always helpful.. Even with stuff that I already know how to do your vids always add a few details that I didn't know..
Much appreciated man!
yea i don't think the last owner of my crf450r did any of that and all i did was set it down, they all fell out all over the place lol. i had no clue what happened until i had looked it up. i just ordered a whole new linkage set and made sure they were all greased up.
Sounds like the typical neglected linkage. Poor bike lol
Thanks so much for this video it helped soooooo much. Can you do a video on crf450r water pump seal repair? There are videos out there but your videos are way better and simple then most.
Just subscribed!! I just bought a 2005 cr85r, needs some work which I planned for. Checking out vids of things I have to do on my bike and found this channel. Cameron, I have to say...I totally agree with all of the great comments below. Keep up the great work!
Thanks Cameron appreciate all the time and effort you put into these I hope you're getting the recognition you deserve by people buying their parts off of you. ☆☆☆☆☆
Well thank you for watching! Yes, business is very good.
I put new linkage bearings and shock bearings in my yz 250. And after I still had alil slop very very small. But it was the swing arm bearings too!!!! Love ur videos bro. Be over at seven Mile orv wekken of the 29th 30th of May 2020. Let's ride!!!
How often are you regreasing the top shock mount bolt? Just every shock rebuild or do you actually regrease somewhere in between?
The bolt necessarily doesn't need greasing, however the bearing does. They're spherical bearings and are hard to get grease in them.
You should see the swing arm on the project I picked up, got a spare one cheap??
The one that’s on it is to far gone. Also have any bolts? (I’ve got a 1997)
Fantastic camera and editing work. Your videos have no doubt inspired me to tear apart my filthy WR426 sumo this winter.
Since I won't have access to a pressure washer when its 20 degrees outside, how do you suggest I go about cleaning each piece? We've got a solvent tank but that's not ideal for most parts I wouldn't think.
Thanks man! Solvent tanks actually work great for cleaning parts. Really depends on what chemicals and brushes you are using. Straight up solvent will clean amazing, but is nasty to work with. A heated water based degreaser is what I use.
Man, you know so much and your vids are so helpfully even tho I know some stuff you always add some stuff I don't know
I love your videos they are so detailed
Thanks!!
Cameron Niemela this is not a dig or anything but do u have OCD? I have and u remind me of myself with your meticulous cleaning techniques
taffgriff69 treat em mean keep em clean
If your swing arm has some play is it worth cleaning and greasing the shock linkage and not replacing anything?
I also JAM PACK my bearings with grease !
Always a good thing!
man your bike is spanking clean , unreal ,lol
Thanks man!
is this wrench good enough for the whole bike ?
Great vids man gives me confidence to go do some maintenance. Your vids are the best filmed instructional vids I have seen. Awesome!
Thanks so much man!
Just did mine following the vid, ktm 250sx much more annoying to get that top bolt as my lowered foot peg was in the way (will take it off next time ) !. Man 1 of my bearings did not look too good. Couldnt even get the caps off the lower shock.bearing.. will be replacing all these after my next ride
Looks like Cole sealy at 5:45, lol.
Haha that's a good one!
I'd like to do all the things bike needs, but im scared of that - will i get everything back right? 😅😅
Today pulled apart my keihin carb and needle was bent. Why does it happen ?
P.S thx for answering my questions i just subbed.
I would guess it's from someone installing the slide with the needle not straight. That will bend the needle, I've seen it happen before. I might have even done that once lol
This was really helpful, im going to do this to my ktm soon
Thanks for watching!
I have a question,
My way of cleaning and greasing the linkage bearings is to get all the needles out, clean the whole bearing cage (and needles) entirely, then greas everything and put it back together. But is it bad to take all the needles out? because I don't see any reason why it should. but I never see anyone do it the way I do haha
also, great videos man!
Thanks for watching! Nothing wrong at all with removing all the needles, just takes much longer having to assemble all the needles back together. If that's what you prefer then keep doing it that way. When I come across linkage that is dry and needs a good cleaning I'll take all the needles out.
Cameron Niemela thanks for answering! Keep up the video's!
Best linkage video
Your such a good teacher
If you take it apart and there all stuffed it gonna cost you abit of money my ktm only has a top and a bottom bushing as its derect and has no linkages so it was cheap to do
How does cleaning these bearings and regreasing them help? Why not just get new ones if youre going to go through the trouble.
skippygirl959 well if u have grease on hand already it's cheaper. I've never done this before but it's just what I'm guessing if there's no need for buying new ones
I have also have an RC boat it uses waterproof grease can I use that for my dirt bike that stuff stinks
This video is put together very well!
Thanks!
Lol just rebuilding my cr125 linkage lol the person before me didn't take care of it. It's and 2007 similar to yours
Ahh that's frustrating.
5:43 AYO! that bike is from North Carolina😂
All the linkage parts are nice and rounded but one that square edged
Love your videos and your job is awesome what yr is your honda 125
Thanks, it's a 2005.
Man wish you lived close to me I need help with my yz250
What's wrong with it?
I need help with my 07 yz250 as well.
You should tell people to take the weight off the rear wheel so it doesn’t squish the chain guide roller, 🤔 when the bike is sitting on a stand anyways when working on the rear suspension
5:43 Honda Davidson! Hard tail baby!
My dude, yet another good diy. 🤙🏻
Great video, the commentary was very concise. Thank you for uploading!
I appreciate that!
iv been away from bikes for years just bought a 1980xl250 it needs t l c do u know any where i could get a d v d 4that model thank u
What happeneds if you dont use water proof grease
rubber seal works!
I have a ssr125cc i use WD40 on occasion should I and can I use mag one greaser the red type of Grease I don't think it's waterproof though
I bought a Crf150F and it clicks loudly when i sit on it or compress it, would that be that the linkage is dry and not greased?
Hey you know if honda used the same swing arm for 250/450 early 2000+..
Some of the years used the same swingarm between the 250 and 450, but really depends on exactly what year.
What shall I do if my pit bike back suspension is squeaky
Hello cameron, i have a question, when i was regreasing mine i lost one or two needles, is it severe to ride without one or two of those needles?
Yes you'll definitely need all the needles
What would happen if i rode without a few, can i just ride it until theres freeplay and then buy a rebuild kit?
20 hours?? And that bike was been finished about 1.5 years i think from this video.
I have owned my 125 ktm sx for almost 2 months and already ridden it almost 60 hours
Hey What you think about TM motocross bikes
Don't have any experience with them, but have heard they're well made.
Is it possible to split the cases without a splitting tool?
Hey buddy! Yeah cases can be split without the tool. Using a soft hammer or wood block to protect the crank and transmission shafts while you smack them with a hammer will split the cases.
Thanks
Do you have acess to yz85 or similar? I’m attempting to do a replacement on bearings and it seems as if my moose racing kit sent me the wrong washers and/or missing pieces .
Excelent video my friend !! You explain very well. Greeting from argentina
If there's a small amount of play should i replace the bearings or just regrease ?
well, you can use the old bearings and grease em. but best is just to replace it if you have the cash :)
Wild Riding NZ
Replace. If there is play they are worn out, and regreasing won't fix that problem.
yeah thanks :)
You can still run it with a little slop however it'll need replacement at some point. Better to do sooner than later.
Does anyone know or could the owner of this channel help? Why would a 2007 ktm 85sx newly rebuilt be leaking clutch fluid into the motor? It’s coming out when I change the oil ??? Any one know the fix? I’m thinking it’s the Slavs cylinder seal but I’m not sure
Very nice video! Thank you!
Hey Cameron i have a 1997 cr 125r and i can move my swing are side to side what does that mean?
devin bush bad swingarm bearings
Goon Squad
Hey Cameron! My yz 85 has a lot of movement. Does it help if i tight the bults.
You'll definitely have to replace the bearings. Tightening the bolts more won't help unless they are very loose to begin with.
damnit bro, im riding a brand new 2017 ktm 500 and i STILL want a 125 for nostalgia
what about the swingarm
This vid was done well, good job 👍🏼
Thanks!!
You should get a foam gun on the pressure washer to clean your bike just an idea ! Great video !
Thanks for watching!
Do you have a finnish background or roots?
NEIN
Yes I do.
Bischlarbo69 nein is German....
great video like always man. cheers!
Thank You!
Anyone know where to get linkage bearings set for a rm250 1997?
Here's the correct kit for your bike: amzn.to/2gdop47
Great vid!
Dont put your dirty brush to grease cup. You can make that grease dead faster.
thank you these vids are very good
you really should pull the needles, its not that big of a deal just don't lose any
Super good video!👌
Thanks man!
I like this kind of Videos very nice videos
Thanks for watching!
No ones gonna talk about that thumbnail?lol
linkage bearings dont need that much attention, for most people 30-40 hours is fine. as the thing that kill bearings, is the seal not sealing as it should. then shit starts to come inside the bearing.
Better to be safe than sorry, linkage bearings do get lots of abuse compared to other bearings.
I’m Thinking of doing riding vids what video editor do you use? Btw I got a new vid up
I use Sony Vegas. I'll check it out!
desde españa como te encuentras d salud eres un crack fuerza
Why can't they just connect the shocks directly to the swingarm it seems pretty dumb with all these linkages and bearings and stuff.
Very very gooooood thanks
You are awesome dude
I love you great video keep up the good work ☺
Thanks!!
my back tire moves up and down lol
What Year is this bike
It's a 2005.
Nice
Awesome, but every 20 hrs? Really?