Bearings part 2

Mechanic Monday... Tip of the week. Bearings part 2
The last tip about bearings titled "Just one minute" contained a method to do a quick bearing check on many of the bearings on your bike. This week we go into more detail of what to look for when re-greasing your swing arm, linkage and steering head bearings.
Why so much hub-bub about bearings?
Plans are for a 10 week Mechanic Monday series on suspension. The very first week will include checking your bearings as your suspension will not work correctly with your linkage bearings all rusted up.
So lets get started...
Most swing arm and linkage bearings are of a needle roller type. Once you remove the inner race the needle rollers themselves can be removed individually to be cleaned and re-greased. To reinstall them simply put a coat of grease on the inside of the outer race and place all the needles back in allowing the grease to hold them in place until you reinstall the inner race.
Most steering head bearings are of a tapered roller type and if they are feeling "notchy" after they are cleaned and lubed they should be replaced.
With any bearing inspect for rust, scoring, flaking, cracks or any indentations. Feel for any movement at a right angle to where the bolt passes through that would indicate wear. All of these conditions are grounds for replacement.
Many manufactures recommend molybdenum disulfide grease for the linkage and swing arm due to its properties to work well with impact loads. The short coming of this grease is how easy it is to get washed out during your bike’s bath time. Mixing the molybdenum disulfide grease with some water proof wheel bearing grease can give you that extra time between lubes.
If one is careful with the pressure washer while cleaning the bike, data shows that swing arm and linkage bearings can go as many as 30 rides between lubes with one exception. That exception is the lower shock bearing that will barely make 15 rides. While each bike is different the owners manual should give a lube schedule that will get you close to keeping the linkage and bearings in good working order.
P.S. Most of the bearings on your bike are protected with seals that should be inspected too.

For additional information.
The NSK company has a well written article on how to clean and inspect your bearings at.
http://www.nsk.com/services/maintenancerepairs/inspection.html