Bearings

[sefer]

Has anyone had any luck with replacing trasmission bearings with 'aftermarket' ones from the local bearing shop?

I just wonder as I'm replacing mine. I went down to the local Saeco branch with my numbers and bearing (Saeco cause they're the NZ agent for NTN). They looked through their books and said they'd got what I wanted and would have it the next day. I go to pick them up, and they have ordered another brand with the 'same specs' .

Of course they were no good since the ones I'm replacing have a 2mm circlip groove, and a standard circlip groove is only 1.3mm. You'd think this was an honest mistake on their part (which it was really), apart from the fact I knew and told them it had to be NTN ones for that exact reason.

Anyway, now I'm stuck. Should I get them to order in the 'correct' bearings and hope that I am infact right, or just pay (a lot) more and order them as a 'genuine part'?

They're NTN 6205 n x3 BTW. I know they're used in the other zxr bikes in some form, and an '83 1100 goldwing (no idea where). You can't order the exact same bearing from Saeco, but you can get a 6205 n (n code is for the circlip groove), which I'm led to believe are the same.

[SimJen]

Some manufacturers have bearing manufacturers manufacture bearings under licence. They can be almost the same but subtly different. I had a similar issue with rebuilding NSR cranks many years ago. Took a lot of hunting but eventually I got the correct ones from Spain!

[Ixion]

I've always used generic bearings when there is one available. Even the Jappa manufacturers don't make their own bearings, they just buy them in from bearing manufacturers. Only hard part is getting the right one (as you have found), the japs are shits for using non-standard sizings.

[pete376403]

Take them back -they are not what you ordered and tell them to get the right ones.

[imdying]

Could you get another circlip? Considered flagging the circlip and using Loctite bearing retainer? I know they used to do that rebuilding two stroke cranks.

[DEATH_INC.]

Or just shave .7 off the inside....

[F5 Dave]

. . the ones I'm replacing have a 2mm circlip groove, and a standard circlip groove is only 1.3mm. . .

Sorry which way around was that? You mean the ZXR ones are 2mm & the replacements are 1.3?

-but are they in the same position? Depending on where the groove sits it may be against the same thrust face anyway, but I wouldn't sweat .7 difference in most cases.

If it is the other way around then you could run the circlip from the old bearing or shave the circlip, or open the groove to fit the thicker circlip.

[sefer]

Right, just to be slightly clearer

The original bearings have a 2mm groove, I've been refering to it as a circlip groove, but it doesn't actually have a circlip on it, rather a half-circle retaining (set) ring that holds the bearing in place on the crankcase (probably only when putting the thing together, but I can't really take that chance )

The bearing they got in for me (which I have returned) was identical, apart from the groove being 1.3mm. I had already been told that any other bearing I got (i.ei non-NTN) wouldn't work because of this. I did consider machining the difference, but it's impractical as I don't have the gear to do it myself, and it is not a sealed bearing, so any metal shards could ruin it.

Now, the 'correct' NTN bearing, the 6205 n one should be the same as the current one, having the 2mm groove, but no-one can seem to confirm this is the case. Because they'd have to order them in, and have already got two for me which are probably useless to them, I don't really want to get them only to find they will not work.

The 6205 bearing seems to be a really common bike bearing. It's the n (circlip groove) and the x3 (possible chamfer?) that are making it hard.

Anyway, I'm going to try another place tomorrow, South Island Bearings, as recommended by one of the local bike stores I was at today looking at helmets. I don't know they'll be able to help, as Saeco is the sole distubutor in NZ for NTN, but it's worth trying. I'll go back to Saeco if I get stuck, and Kawasaki if I have no luck at all.

[sefer]

If it is the other way around then you could run the circlip from the old bearing or shave the circlip

I've considered shaving the ring too, probably safer and eaiser than the actual bearing, but in the end finding the right one would be so much eaiser..

I won't have the clutch parts I need to finish till at least Monday anyway, so I'm in no rush atm. Still it'd be nice to just have to fit the clutch and pour some oil in when they do arrive.

[jonbuoy]

Hi,

Know youre not from Auckland but these guys are really good, I have been ripped off by Saeco Bearings in Auckland in the past at work. They charged us 50% more than Auckland Bearings did for the same ones. We get miniature precision and other special ones from them - no I don't work for them! Just had good service. Good luck.

[sefer]

Hey thanks. If I have no luck with South Island Bearings I'll give them a call.

[sefer]

Ah ha, on checking it's the same company

[imdying]

A top salesman (actually might be branch manager now, I forget) of Saeco Chch is a biker, has an FZR400. Maybe ring and talk to him personally? (sorry, name escapes me)

[sefer]

Chears for that info. If I have no luck with South Island Bearings I intend to try the other CHCH Saeco branch in hope they'll know more. Maybe he's at that one.

[Pixie]

I spoke to Caroline at A&E Bearings in auckland.
She confirmed that the x means it is a special.The standard groove size is 1.35 mm.If you have no luck,call her, she may be able to source the right bearing.
Ph 09 838 8268