Help with Merlin GreaseGuard BB

[Little Bob]

I need to strip the BB down on my '92 Merlin to give it a good clean and check the bearings.

I have removed the two circlips that secure the sealed bearing races on either side, but what do I do next?

Is it a case of tapping the axle through the BB with a hammer which will push the far side race out of the BB - or is this stupid and I'll break something?

 

[stevek]

The WI bearings were like this. I just did what you have said. Tapped the axle through using a nylon headed hammer (or equivalent) it came out the other side bringing the bearing with it and then I tapped the remaining bearing out gaining access from the empty side.

Y'got new bearings?

 

[Little Bob]

Y'got new bearings?

Nope - I was hoping to re-use the ones that are in there.

Is there a source for new bearings?

BTW What is a WI? White Industries...?

 

[stevek]

Yep, White Industries.

I was asking about new bearings because the old ones often get damaged knocking them out. Usually they are knackered when you do this anyway so it doesn't make any difference. If yours aren't showing any signs of wear and aren't grumbling/groaning I'd leave 'em in.

 

[stevek]

Not trying to teach you to suck eggs but you see where it's stamped 6903 RS? That's the type of bearing you need x2. Any bearing shop (usually on an industrial site) will sell them to you. They're available on the net too.

If they're not stiff, grinding etc or the axle wobbling around you could just prize off those little plastic sealing washers and push some grease in there, then refit the seals.

 

[stew-b]

dont use the old bearings :shock: new ones a re gonna be a couple of pounds each from your local bearing factor.

 

[Little Bob]

dont use the old bearings :shock: new ones a re gonna be a couple of pounds each from your local bearing factor.

For some reason I thought these would be nigh on impossible to source.

If I can pick them up easily then you're absolutely right, they should be replaced.

Is there a bearing supplier on the web that is likely to have these?

They are running a little rough, which is why I was going to strip them down.

 

[Carsten]

here are the "official" merlin instructions using a special tool

http://web.archive.org/web/199703011320 ... /bbgg.html

and for the non GG bottom brackets

http://web.archive.org/web/199703011320 ... bbngg.html

i've tapped the spindle and bearings out and it wasn't nearly as difficult as on Klein bottom brackets. you likely have to break the loctite bond which may require some force. in that case i'd also recommend to use new bearings. if the spindle comes out easily and the bearings feel smoot you can re-use them but i dont think it is worth it as they should be cheap.

edit: a quick google found that and many more listings

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PROD/kit1044_1

seems to be a very common size. just make sure to remove the inner seal if you want to use the grease guard thing.

carsten

 

[stevek]

There are these on eBay at the mo' http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:xW ... BER-SEALED)_W0QQitemZ350044688362QQcmdZViewItem+6903+rs+bearing&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=uk

I'd hazard a guess that these are from China though and not to the same standard (allegedly :roll: ) as the Japanese bearings.

I fitted some SKF to mine and they were more than a few pounds! Can't remember the exact figure but I reckon they must've been about £16.00 a pair?

Show me where you can get decent bearings cheaper.....please

 

[cherrybomb]

I reckon you need to plan on about £10 a side. Could be a couple of quid either way.
They're a common enough size though so easy to get hold of.