Suspension Frame: bearing tool (6902 bearing)

Gionnirocket

Well-Known Unidentified Member
Region
USA
City
Y. O.
Anyone know of a good quality affordable bearing press tool?
Don't need top notch as it'll be for minimal personal use.
PXL_20260311_143936781~2.jpg
I'll add... When purchasing a 6902 bearing... What does the suffix denote?
VRD in this case

tia...
 
Depending on what it's going into, the right size deep socket and a hammer are often all you need.

The 6902 is a standard number, but every manufacturer uses their own codes for the suffix. It can denote the type of seals or shields, cage type, grease type, number of balls, stuff like that.
 
Depending on what it's going into, the right size deep socket and a hammer are often all you need.

The 6902 is a standard number, but every manufacturer uses their own codes for the suffix. It can denote the type of seals or shields, cage type, grease type, number of balls, stuff like that.
It's going into the rear triangle pivot and it's a very tight fit.
Definitely going to need to press this one in.
 
Btw, the VRD is the type of seals in the bearing. In this case a thick rubber seal on both sides. Usually in bike-bearings you'd find the 2RS versions, a bit lighter.

What I understand from the local bearing specialists is that these bearings are more common in machinery where the shaft wil not turn a full 360, so for a rocker link they should do fine.

Bearing press could also be a straight bolt with a few rings and the old bearing pushing against the new one. A former brand I worked for had these "easy-kits" for some bearing assemblies. Just a proper hex bolt (with 3/4 thread, not fully threaded) with a bunch of washers and a smooth nut. Works.

A good bearing press works better/easier and cost a bit more.

They still do..

Tool-Trek-Top-Fuel-Gen-4-Rocker-Bearing-Drift-Sleeve_[232754]_480.jpg
 
Btw, the VRD is the type of seals in the bearing. In this case a thick rubber seal on both sides. Usually in bike-bearings you'd find the 2RS versions, a bit lighter.

What I understand from the local bearing specialists is that these bearings are more common in machinery where the shaft wil not turn a full 360, so for a rocker link they should do fine.

Bearing press could also be a straight bolt with a few rings and the old bearing pushing against the new one. A former brand I worked for had these "easy-kits" for some bearing assemblies. Just a proper hex bolt (with 3/4 thread, not fully threaded) with a bunch of washers and a smooth nut. Works.

A good bearing press works better/easier and cost a bit more.

They still do..

Tool-Trek-Top-Fuel-Gen-4-Rocker-Bearing-Drift-Sleeve_[232754]_480.jpg
Thanks.
Actually the replacements I ended up ordering are 2RS. Couldn't find VRD
I don't think I can use the old bearing to push the new one as the bearing doesn't sit flush in the frame and sits recessed. So to get the new one fully seated the old bearing would be too far into the frame and not easily removed afterwards.

So who sells these easy kits? Really all I need is the right diameter die, 28mm OD
 
My first thought is to take a caliper gauge to Harbor Freight and check the OD of their sockets. A 3/8" drive socket should be large enough for the press bolt to pass through.

Whenever I need meta stock with precise dimensions, I usually go to OnlineMetals.com. 12" is the minimum order and it can get pricey but random lengths are sometimes available for less. Cut it to whatever length you need.

27.5mm is so close to 1" that this heavy wall tube may work:

 
Ok i think I'm all set.

Screenshot_20260312_134720_Photos~2.jpg
I picked up a cheepó set from Amazon. $36 delivered.

Screenshot_20260312_134738_Photos~2.jpg
Test fit it in the frame and old bearing and it's dead on.

After the fact I found this...
So it seems you can buy just the drift you need. @ $11 plus shipping, not so bad.
Screenshot_20260312_082059_Chrome~2.jpg

Screenshot_20260312_082112_Chrome~2.jpg
The cheepó drift measures up exactly. The difference I see is the professional tool comes with a high quality 3/8" ACME threaded rod and handle assembly.
The cheepó has a mild steel 5/16" threaded rod.
Since my use will be very limited I think I'll be fine. I can always buy a stronger rod and just use nuts or a rod coupling to drive it. I can't imagine that the drifts would fail. Cheepó set comes with 2 of each. Case is adequate as well.


Btw, the VRD is the type of seals in the bearing. In this case a thick rubber seal on both sides. Usually in bike-bearings you'd find the 2RS versions, a bit lighter.

What I understand from the local bearing specialists is that these bearings are more common in machinery where the shaft wil not turn a full 360, so for a rocker link they should do fine.

Bearing press could also be a straight bolt with a few rings and the old bearing pushing against the new one. A former brand I worked for had these "easy-kits" for some bearing assemblies. Just a proper hex bolt (with 3/4 thread, not fully threaded) with a bunch of washers and a smooth nut. Works.

A good bearing press works better/easier and cost a bit more.

They still do..

Tool-Trek-Top-Fuel-Gen-4-Rocker-Bearing-Drift-Sleeve_[232754]_480.jpg

Thanks again for the info 👍
After reading your post I searched around a little differently and found some more info but still couldn't nail down a 6902vrd... but I did find similar.
You were correct in that the stock vrd bushing is built for limited rotation but able to handle greater loads, typically 30% more. Also sealed up better to protest against water/dirt.
But since I already pulled the trigger on the 2RS I'm going to let it fly. The 2RS are more of an all purpose bearing and used for both suspension and hubs where the vrd and similar are just for suspension applications.

Once again my haste made waste... 🙃
I sometimes struggle between over researching something and not wanting to get stuck on the minutiae and getting things done.
 
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For bottom brackets and cup and bearing headsets, I have a Bike Hand universal press, and a set of Wheels Manufacturing stepped drifts. I had to bore out the drifts to fit the Bike Hand spindle. For hub and other smaller bearings, I have a cheap kit from Boca Bearings (a great bike bearing supply house).
 
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