I am replacing the rear bearings and have been using a Clymer Service Manual as a guide. I removed the hubs, sprocket, and skidplate, but I can't get the locknuts off. The manual says I may have to chissel them off, but I am having trouble finding new one online. I tried using some penetrating solvent but that didn't help.

 

Did mine last season and it took ALOT of heat from the torch. You can get new locknuts HERE

 

Sorry, I forgot to mention that it's an '85. That website didn't have the locknuts for that year. I'll try to locate some or see if the local shop can order them. As for heating them, the manual says that it will ruin the heat-treated hardness of the axle.

 

Got the lock nuts off with a couple of two foot pipe wrenches.

 

As for the year thing 85-88 are all the same. Parts are all pretty much interchangable. I don't think you should have anything to worry about as far as the parts list not stating 85 specifically. You can see in my pix I have built one and I don't recall having any problems with parts being for any certain year, just as long as it is LT230S 85-88. If you check with some other sites you will notice their parts lists just simply say 85-88. Also another idea is that you could check vinces cycle . comI got alot of gaskets and bearings from him so he should be able to send you in the right direction if you have any other questions. He is pretty good at responding to e-mails and does have alot of knowledge on these bikes. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Alright, I have managed to remove the axle and bearing housing. My question now is, how do i remove the axle seals. Should I just grab them with plyers and rip them out. They are very corroded and I will be buying new ones, I just don't want to mess up the housing.

As for that website I can't seem to e-mail them because I don't have outlook express hooked up, can I place an order over the phone?

Thanks for your help.

 

His e-mail is vince@vci.net just send him a e-mail from your e-mail provider of choice that is all I did, I didn't bother setting up a outlook account either. As for the axle seals I didn't have any need in replacing them so I'm not sure about that one. Try Vince, I did notice a phone # on his site so maybe you can try calling him. I personally just prefer e-mail - - - its FREE !

e-mail - - vince@vci.net

phone - - 1-270-527-8921

 

Alright, I sent an e-mail and am awaiting a reply. In the meantime, I noticed the swing arm had a decent amount of side to side play, are there bearings that need to be replaced on that as well?

 

Yes you can and should replace swing arm bearings. Easy to do. You should replace the bottom chain guide while you are at it. Vince's sells all the bearings you need. Check to see if in stock. PS a 15" cresent will fit those 46mm axel nuts, when you replace them use red locktite.
Good luck!