Ball and Needle Bearing Replacement
Caution: Do not remove the ball or needle bearings unless it is necessary. Removal may damage them.
- Using a press or puller, remove the ball bearing and/or needle bearings.
Note: In the absence of the above mentioned tools, satisfactory results may be obtained by heating the case to approximately 93°C (200°F) max., and tapping the bearing in or out.
Caution: Do not heat the case with a torch. This will warp the case. Soak the case in oil and heat the oil.
- Using a press and the bearing driver set [A], install the new ball bearing until it stops at the bottom of its housing.
The new needle bearings must be pressed into the crankcase so that the end is flush with the end of the hole.
Special Tool - Bearing Driver Set: 57001-1129
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/kawasaki/23/128725.jpg)
Ball and Needle Bearing Wear
Caution: Do not remove the bearings for inspection. Removal may damage them.
- Check the ball bearings.
Since the ball bearings are made to extremely close tolerances, the wear must be judged by feel rather than measurement. Clean each bearing in a high-flash point solvent, dry it (do not spin the bearing while it is dry), and oil it with engine oil.
Spin [A] the bearing by hand to check its condition.
If the bearing is noisy, does not spin smoothly, or has any rough spots, replace it.
- Check the needle bearings.
The rollers in a needle bearing normally wear very little, and wear is difficult to measure. Instead of measuring, inspect the bearing for abrasion, color change, or other damage.
If there is any doubt as to the condition of a needle bearing, replace it.
![](https://motoinstruction.ru/img/kawasaki/23/128726.jpg)
Oil Seal Inspection
- Inspect the oil seals.
Replace it if the lips are misshapen, discolored (indicating that the rubber has deteriorated), hardened or otherwise damaged.