250-500cc Linkage Bearings

My 06 WR250 needs a new linkage bearing and bearing shaft.
Part 19 and 7 in the partsplan.
What type needle bearing is it, I believe as SKF says a "full complement drawn cup needle roller bearings with open end".
Is that correct, or does it use a cage, how about seals.
I see all-balls has a complete kit, but I only need this one bearing and bearing shaft.

Regards, Bart

Contact mike at Motosportz, he may have just what you are looking for. I know that they sell the kits and also some in none kit form.

Take the bearing out and take it to a quality bearing shop. You will get better bearings than oem.

Do a search on HK18-16 bearing im pretty sure thats the one you need. The wrist pin is a husky dealer part and not to costly.

So far I found out it's a HK2020 2rs (size being ID 20, OD 26 and width 20mm), now get that sucker out there, and the new one in without damaging it.
I've checked eBay and for around 5bucks you have a new one (even cheaper, but lets stick with quality so it'll be SKF or so).
Is that pin a standard part, don't have a dealer nearby.

I just did the linkage bearings in my '08 CR 125 and my '07 TE 250. I used the All Balls kits, which were comprehensive with one exception--the TE kit didn't include 4 bushings that the CR kit did. I'm not sure why, but they are sending me the correct bushings now.

I will say that removing the bearings from that triangular link (whatever its actual name is) was a bear. With my CR, I was able to use a drift and hammer to pound out the first, then my press to push out the second. But with the TE, the first bearing just disintegrated under the drift. I had to use a die grinder to cut the race of the bearing to get it out. It was a pain. But now it's done, and everything is all nice and greasy and smooth.

Make sure to check your swing arm bearings while you're in a bearing changing mood. Mine were shot. The swing arm bearings are a snap to replace compared with that triangular link.

I just pulled my 22.9hr old cr125 apart and the linkage, lower shock and swingarm bearings were toast. Riding in a rainforest and pressure washers are to blame
Headset and wheel bearings were all salvageable though.

New ones are on the way and Blake is coming over tonight to help me remove the old ones with this tool....


According to those who know this is the proper tool to remove linkage bearings, especially when used in conjunction with a press. I'll find out tonight and post my results.

So, how did that work out for you last night?

That tool is the game changer and I will never beat on another bearing again for as long as I live. I gotta stop being such a cheap ass about tools!

Credit to JMetter for telling Blake about the tool. Thanks!

Anyway, for the uninitiated.









Drinking beer was more effort than getting those bearings out

Did you try with the slide hammer before the press? Just wondering if the press was required.

Blake tried it on the shock bearing and it wouldnt budge, but I bet it would have moved with a brass punch and a hammer. If I didnt have access to a press that would be my plan.

At the very least the tool gives you some surface area to work with, which is a huge help IMO

As soon as you posted the picture of the bearing puller set, I started banging my head against the wall. Why? BECAUSE I HAVE ONE OF THOSE SETS AND DIDN'T THINK TO USE IT ! That would have made it 1000% easier, especially using it with the press as you did. I'm such an idiot.

I have tried, and tried with the slide hammer in my garage... NO DICE.... Even if you don't have access to a press, the tool is invaluable.... U can do the exact same thing shown, but use a heavy hammer/mallet on the punch. I would recommend a bigger punch, and a confident swing though.. Thats how I got mine out in my garage, cuz I was to lazy to drive to Brandon's house....

Haha, just curious, what did you buy that set for originally??

I pay some one to remove them while I drink beer.....

I bought it when I was rebuilding the bottom end of a KDX 200 to remove some of the bearings. I figured when I got it I could use it for wheel bearings as well. I just COMPLETETLY forgot that I even had it until I read this thread. I should probably go through and organize the garage, don't ya think?

Short of the Hydrolic Press- you could probably use a "ball joint press"- since I got one of those I have used it for many things. But I would like a hydrolic press in my garage at some point.

Well I got that bearing out, I used a vice, and two bushes, it took some force but eventually it popped right out took me about 10minutes.
Now to get that new one in without damaging it, fingers crossed.

Regards, Bart

I've checked the swingarm bearing and they were shot to, I went to a local bearing shop and bought some new ones.
Are the bearing shaft/bushes available as seperate parts?

I don't know about that... But I will tell you the local bearing house here only sold bearings, and no races / seals... just get a kit from MotosportzMike, or a retailer. The Kits have all the races / spacers / bearings / seals, and are very reasonably priced if bought from the right people... Also, the swingarm bearings have built in seals that need to face the correct way. Don't do what I did the first time and put one in backwards....