Hello, I am new to the forum. I am currently replacing the swingarm bearings. I made the lock nut tool from a 1 1/8" socket and a dremel. I have read others have done this, how did you tighten the lock nut without disturbing the pivot bolt setting? THe honda tool has an open center were the allen wrench can be inserted through it. Also not sure if others have found this or not. Since 1997 the recon had cross a creek twice a day every day. Water had gotten past the seals and rusted the bearings. Rather than purchase the Honda open cage bearings I installed sealed BCA brand bearings. They have a rubber oil seal on each side. They only cost 7.99 each - part number 203FF. - Also any info on cleaning the centrifical filter would be helpful. I read the service manual but it actually looks fairly involved. How ofter are most doing this. Thank You

 

bump hopeful for an response - come on it my first time

 

Thoes bearings do not hold up to well. They are not made for side loads. Use a All Ball kit they work a lot better. Cut the end out of the socket and weld a bar to the socket. Then the 17mm allen wrench will fit through the hole.

 

Thanks I ordered an All ***** kit and welded the bar to my socket - should get it back to together soon