Linkage bearings are usually the most neglected and overlooked maintenance item on dirt bikes. Most people don’t ever take the time to take apart the bearings and lube them up every once in awhile. Also, if you pressure wash your bike, chances are you are forcing dirt and water past the seal and into the bearings, which will greatly shorten their life.

So in this blog post, I want to cover how to inspect and replace swingarm bearings. Even if your bearings are good, it is a good idea to clean and regrease the bearings on an annual basis.

Year, Make, Model

I use my 2001 KX250 in this video for demo purposes. This procedure will apply to most dirt bikes.

Symptoms

Here are some reasons you may want to inspect or replace your swingarm bearings:

You just bought the bike and don’t know the history of maintenance
You can’t remember the last time you greased up those bearings
You find axial movement in the swingarm, indicating the thrust bearings are shot
You find radial (fore/aft) swingarm movement, indicating the bearings are shot

Tools

Below are some of the tools used in this video. Some are comparable to give you an idea of what you may need. Links may be aff links that help support me at no cost to you.

Seal puller

Wilton C clamp

Vise

Vessel Megadora 980 Impacta P2x100 #2 JIS Impact Screwdriver

Crocus cloth

Kroil penetrating oil

Blowtorch kit

Belray waterproof grease