new axle and bearing problem

[sblt500r]

i just got my new axle and bearings for my 500. its a durablue eliminator axle. the problem i have is with the fit of the bearings on the axle. they seem to loose to me. i measured the axle and inside of the bearing and the bearing is 3 thousandths bigger than the axle. i figured the bearings would be a snug fit to the axle.

anybody have this problem with new axle bearings? i'm just worried it would wear the bearings or the axle out prematurly.

[Kane]

Well, I can't say I've ever had to beat an axle ON, but that does sound like it may be a hair loose. Have you fit it on to see what it feels like assembled?

[sblt500r]

i haven't put it together yet but was gowing to today, just wanted to make sure the bearings were the right size. the bearing # is 6010 RS do you happen to know if thats the right size. i also emailed durablue and they said it that the axle is designed to slip in easilly. and that it should be fine.
i will try and get it together today and i will let you know what happens.

[sblt500r]

i put it together. you should see how lose the axle is in the bearings. damn thing moves all over. either the bearings are wrong or the axle is to small. durablue hasn't email me back yet to tell me if the axle is in tolerance yet. guess i just have to wait till tuesday.

[Kane]

If it moves PERIOD something is wrong. A new axle, any brand, assembled properly with new bearings has zero play. You definately need some feedback from Durablue. Did they also supply the bearings? If your using the stock carrier, the bearings will be the same as the originals.

[sblt500r]

i got the bearings of ebay and they are the same size as the old ones that came out. the bearing carrier is stock. i was doing some research on different size bearings and that size of the bearings i have is the closest one to the size of the axle. so either all those companies are selling that size bearings because they are cheaper than original suzuki or suzuki has there own special size bearings. i found that out on a needle bearing for the 85-86 engine.

do you happen to know the stock size of the bearing?

i put it all together with the tires and it doesn't seem to move with everything tight.

[Kane]

All years of the LT500 use a 50 x 80 x 16 bearing, 6010-2RS. If it's tight when it's all assembled.......Give it a try. Check it frequently, like every couple of minutes at first and be mindful of any change in handling. If after your first hour you havent loosened up any, you're probably fine. Bear in mind though, you can bench-tighten a little 250 axle inside those huge 6010 bearings to where there is no movement but you wouldnt last 2 minutes during actual use. Keep a real close eye on things. And if it's not the axle, next time buy a high-quality bearing such as your dealer has or these....

http://www.vxb.com/page/bearings/PRO...d-more/kit1029

VXB has never let me down.

[sblt500r]

i will take it for a ride today and see what happens.

[sblt500r]

took it for a ride today and the axle didn't come flying off. everything still felt tight it looks like it will be okay. now i just got to find a way to keep the chrome from coming off the axle.

[sblt500r]

heard back from durablue today and they told me the axle is within tolerace. thats good now i have no worries. but it's still to loose in the bearings when its out of the bike. guess i'm just going to have to deal with it.