Hi Dan!
Almost any "bearing grease" will do the job. You don't need much, just enough to coat all the bearings and work a little into the grooves. My fingers are relatively small and that's how I smeared on the grease! I've also used "Tri-flo" to coat the bearings and find this works well, too.
-Mark
Thanks Mark. I know oil can pick up dirt and was wondering if the Tri Flow product might as well.
I can't wait to try the pedal once I'm finished. This was my first time breaking down a Swivomatic pedal. The design is so ingenious. So simple to break down and clean!
Hey Dan!
I would certainly say that both grease and oil can/will pick up dirt. Given that the bearings are pretty much shielded inside the tube, I'd say the chances of dirt getting in are minimal.
I currently have 2 Swivo pedals, both of which have the new B-68 bearings. I also installed these bearings on a Swivo for TommyP. He was very happy with it!
-Mark
Great. This thread is awesome. It gave me the courage to jump in on this retrofit. I've never even bought bearings before.
I'm convinced the value of information at VDF pays dividends to someone every day!
Great. This thread is awesome. It gave me the courage to jump in on this retrofit. I've never even bought bearings before. I'm convinced the value of information at VDF pays dividends to someone every day!
I really like our VDF community. Just like a "real" family, it has its ups and downs, but in the end, everyone wins!
Good luck with your Swivo rebuild!
-Mark
Dan on the worn out allen screws you can sometimes try a metric size that may fit well enough to get it out. You can file fit one too. I have also used a small flat head screwdriver with the sides shaved/filed to fit snug. Star head or torques as they are called can work too.
Hey Dan!I would certainly say that both grease and oil can/will pick up dirt. Given that the bearings are pretty much shielded inside the tube, I'd say the chances of dirt getting in are minimal.I currently have 2 Swivo pedals, both of which have the new B-68 bearings. I also installed these bearings on a Swivo for TommyP. He was very happy with it!-Mark
Yes indeed Mark ... beautiful work it was! The BEST Swivo's are without a doubt the earlier models with the real roller bearings. SUPER SMOOTH to the point of WOW! Later on, in a money saving/penny pinching venture, Rogers decided to go with a "pressed/sleeve bearing" on the Swivo, and while still a very nice pedal!, those don't have the feel and total smoothness of the earlier models with the roller bearings. My MAIN Swivo, and the one I have been playing for over 15 years now, is one of the earlier models with the OEM bearings. That pedal is just as perfect today as the day it came out of the box, and it has thousands of gigs on it! The one Mark retro-fitted for me is a near identical second! The roller bearings made quite a difference, and that is now my practice room/back-up Swivo. I noticed that the more I played it, the smoother it got. I've had it now for a couple years anyway, and it's perfect!
Tommyp
I had my eye on an eBay auction for one of those 1st generation pedals with a one-piece footboard tis week. That old gal ended up fetching $180! Yeah, I'd say they are something special alright.
It was item 291846889677
I used the Tri-FLow because it's what I have on hand from working on my bikes.
At least on a bike chain, it doesn't pick up as much dirt as other products. It also doesn't get gummy over time like grease can. You only need a few drops and it clings to the metal so you can wipe off the excess.
I used the Tri-FLow because it's what I have on hand from working on my bikes. At least on a bike chain, it doesn't pick up as much dirt as other products. It also doesn't get gummy over time like grease can. You only need a few drops and it clings to the metal so you can wipe off the excess.
Absolutely correct that Tri-Flow doesn't pick up as much dirt. I've used it for years and it's a great product. I originally purchased it for my bikes as well, but found it ideal for dozens of other uses!
-Mark
