13
Debate: Should we reuse press fit bearings or always replace them?
Had a chat with an old school mechanic at the co-op last Thursday. He said he's been cleaning and repacking press fit bearings for years with no issues, saving customers $20-30 each time. I always thought once they're out, you trash them, especially on carbon frames. But he showed me a set he pulled from a 2017 Specialized that ran smooth after a good clean and fresh grease. Got me wondering, am I being wasteful or is he just lucky? Has anyone else tried this long term?
3 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In3 Comments
keith_bennett2d ago
Tried this a few years back on a old steel touring frame I was rebuilding. Pulled the stock press fit bearings, cleaned them with degreaser and a toothbrush, packed them with fresh Phil Wood grease, and they spun smoother than the brand new set I bought as backup. That was about 5,000 miles ago and they still feel perfect. I think it really depends on how much grit got into the bearings before you pulled them if they felt crunchy or rusty, toss em. But if they were just sitting there dry or a little grimy, a good clean and repack can definitely save you money. Just make sure you press them back in straight with the right tool, not a hammer.
3
beth2761d agoTop Commenter
Yeah that press fit tool is key. I learned the hard way trying to tap one in with a socket and a mallet. Bound up halfway and I had to pull it back out and start over with a proper press tool. Total pain. Also if you don't have a bearing puller, a lot of shop will press out old bearings for like five bucks if you bring the frame in. Saves you from mangling the race with a screwdriver.
4