I own the tools for servicing Viscounts, having worked in a shop that sold them. The owner gave them to me when he closed. Unfortunately I have managed to misplace the repair manual and we never actually had to repair one while I was in that shop. I can however take photos and post them if that would help and am happy to lend them out if the recipient covers postage both ways. They fit fine in a small priority mail box so I think you're looking at under $6 each way.
Len Diamond Ridgewood, New Jersey, USA
-----Original Message----- From: classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org [mailto:classicrendezvous-bounces@bikelist.org] On Behalf Of David Snyder Sent: Tuesday, May 04, 2010 6:54 PM To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org Subject: Re: [CR] Pressing in Viscount bearings...
This can be tricky if the spindle has any steps or circlips between the bearings. This would require that the spindle be accomodated while pressing in the new bearings. I tried driving out the spindle on my ~1975 Viscount, and even after removing the external circlips from the spindle I could not budge the spindle with a hammer. I notice that the bearings are fitted flush with the ends of the bb shell, so a flat, rigid surface, as on the end of a thick-walled pipe(?), should also contact the end of the bb shell as the outer race of the bearing arrives flush with the end of the shell. I would want to use metal here.
One must first remove the spindle and bearings, and the end of the bb shell will need to be supported while the bearing is driven out through a (minimally) 35mm hole in the support. Such a support "mandrel" will need to be fabricated lest one is willing to hammer the spindle/bearings with impact
loads transmitted through the entire frame. I actually gave up on mine and continue riding it even though the spindle is a bit too-far offset for my liking. The bearings themselves are rather oversized for the application, even surviving my hammering, so may outlast the frame! They can be re-greased by prying off the seals with a razor blade or pick.
I've seen the toolkit for servicing Klein BB's, which consists of a tubular,
stepped mandrel and threaded pulling and pressing hardware. Perhaps a Klein dealer could handle this job. I note that the bearings are standard and inexpensive.
Now having two Viscounts, I would like to know how this job turns out.
David Snyder Auburn, CA usa
Dale Brown wrote:
> Consider using a large vise... It allows you to apply gentle controlled
> pressure very evenly. To protect the bearing face (do one side at a time),
> I would find a small piece of wood board placed between vise jaws and
> parts. This set up helps but does not guarantee concentric inward movement
> so you have to monitor the progress carefully. But it works!
>
> Paul Walkerwrote:
> Hey. Any tips on pressing new bearings into Viscount / Lambert BB shells?
> I
> have a park headset press, and imagine that I need to find some pipe of
> the
> proper diameter to contact the outside of the bearings. Someone mentioned
> using an arbor press, but I'm unfamiliar with this type of press.
> Thoughts?