Removing circlips from bearings...a small rant.

[twinrider1]

Alternate thread title......How far into my finger can I shove a metal pick?

So I'm learning to clean bearings. Managed to get the clip out of one side of a metal sealed bearing, but can't seem to get the other. Having visions of shoving an exacto blade or a one of my small picks deep into a finger.

Just venting really, but since I'm here I'll ask. Can you clean a bearing effectively with just one side opened up?

Thanks.

[DaveM]

Hi,

With metal shielded bearings you don't have to remove the shields, there is a very small gap/clearance

between the shield and the inner race.

This is what I use a RPM bearing blaster, I use a cheap WD spray for cleaning and a light weight oil for

lubrication, just lay the bearing on its side and put a couple of drops of oil on it and let it soak into the

bearing or I have used a pressure pack oil (bicycle chain lube) and used the bearing blaster to oil the

bearing.

http://www.rpmrcproducts.com/products/tools/fixtools.htm

Cheers, Dave.

[Halgar]

I would agree about not removing side shields to clean bearings. If a bearing is crunchy, it needs to be replaced anyway. For the light cleaning that most brgs need, the above suggestion is the way to go.