'03 KX250 Linkage bearing problems

[Mudshark]

I have a fresh problem today.
Upon closer inspection, it turns out that the
rear linkage bearings are toast. Getting new ones is not the problem.
I can't get the old ones out. The shock bearing just pressed out
but those in the linkage have the oil / dirt seals etc.
I tried hooking a flat edge behind the seals and pry them out... but they wont
budge. I may have to take the linkage down to the local dealer and get him
to do it ..... this is embarrarsing... 

Darn "speacial" tools, it sucks when you dont have the right tools for the job 
Anyone have any "tips" for getting them out.... can I just press them all
the way through?

[KDXGarage]

Can you not pry them out with a screwdriver?  Any chance to go buy a cheap seal puller?

[kawish]

i changed them on my kx250 2004, its fairly simple
insert a flat driver between the seal and the bearing and pry it, and the seal will pop out.

for the bearing, heat the linkage and you can take a socket a little smaller than the hole, but big enough too force on the bearing extern cage, and tap it with a hammer to push the bearing outside.
it's exactly how do it on my kx250/500.

pivot work make good replacement kit that come with the bearing, seal etc...........

[FPMXer]

Kawish is right, heat up the outer part of the linkage and tap them out with a socket. But before you do that a very important step is to measure how deep they are in the hole. They have to go back in the same depth or they will bind and tear up the linkage when you ride it. It states this in the clymer and factory manuel. The same procedure will work when you replace the bearings in the swing arm.

[Mudshark]

Guys,
Thanks for all the input, before I went to bed last night, I dropped it into
a tub of WD40.
This morning some of the seals pried out fairly easily. The bearings came
out after heating the linkage and pressing them in the vice again.
The one that gave me all the grief, eventually came out after I turned it over
and pressed out out the other way. It seems that the last time they were
pressed in, they were not squared up correctly, resulting in a "lump" being
created by the leading edge of the bearing that it would not get past.
(buying a used bike has it's surprises)
Anyhow I fixed it / smoothed it out... all is good 
I owe you all a beer! 

[Mudshark]

Well I got the new seals and bearings in and got the rest of the bike back together.
Now I discovered that the chain adjuster bolts are seized solid into the swingarm. 
I guess buying used bikes has it's little suprises. 
I filled the swingarm with penetrating oil and let it soak overnight... still no joy.

I am trying to screw these things back into the swingarm, at least
I know that the threads on the outside are clean. To get the oil to penetrate
I am doing a bit of tighten / loosen though, but the general direction is in.

[Mudshark]

The rebuild is over....
I got the KX done today, I had to cut the two adjuster bolts
off, drill them out and tap some fresh threads in there.
It all worked out great, a bit more effort that I wanted ..... but hey look at this
not too shabby for a '03 ??





Next is a new top end and clutch, But that can wait till spring