Problem during needle bearing install..., ovalled pivot tube; wtf do I do now?!? Options

[ss6]

Got a set of Mueller's nifty suspension bearings, pressed the bearing tube into the trailing arm (BF threaded rod and a LOT of elbow grease), proceeded to test fit the bearings. Fits fine on the outboard end, but the inboard end won't accept the bearing.

Measured the tube ID, and found a slight oval, ie 1.318 - 1.338. The bearing OD that has to fit in there is 1.330.

So will the bearing tolerate this or am I going to have to go find a machine shop???

[Doug Leggins]

The oval condition seems to be common. I talked to Mike before installing my bearings. I took the approach of machining/sanding the OD of the sleeve prior to installing it. I think that if you do not sand the OD then you will have to sand the ID to get the bearing to fit properly.

If you use too much force to try to insert it, the bearing can/will come apart.

I used a 1" drum sanding attachment in a drill to get the sanding done that I needed. The 1" drum was recommended.

Mike lists his cell number on his site. I used it a few times just to make sure I was doing things right.