Aluminess Swing Arm Bearing Replacement

[barrel47]

We have the Aluminess bumper with swing arms for the spare and a storage box with bike racks on top. On the box side, the swing arm barely moves any longer. Aluminess sold us a set of replacement bearings. They shared the install instructions but these are from the original install. I'm wondering if anyone has replaced the bearings and could share any tips and feedback on the difficulty of the process. For example, do I need to remove the box, are the old bearings easy to remove, etc. Appreciate the guidance.

[86Scotty]

Square tubes or round? I have a newer square tube model, about a year old, and have the opposite problem. I'm constantly having to tighten it up.

Even though we have an opposite problem I'm curious which one you have because Aluminess has changed things up several times over the years and I'd like to know if what you or what I have is a problem child.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by barrel47

On the box side, the swing arm barely moves any longer.

What exactly does that mean? It's difficult to swing open? ....hard to pull off the delrin block on the top of the bumper (assuming old round style bars).

The "bearings" are thick black delrin washers?

[doublevan2]

My front and rear bumpers are "Road Armor" - round swing arms are super stiff on drivers side with tire mount and RotoPax (x2) - passenger side swing much easier to move with military style Pelican case - maybe 40 pounds - tire swing like 120 pounds ? Maybe your issue is just weight related - not bearing related ?

[barrel47]

We have the round ones, round in the spot where it attaches to the bumper.

[barrel47]

Difficult to swing open and closed. The bearings are tapered roller bearings, top and bottom, that are close to this Grainger product:

https://www.grainger.com/product/1YT...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

[1der]

Originally Posted by barrel47

Difficult to swing open and closed. The bearings are tapered roller bearings, top and bottom, that are close to this Grainger product:

https://www.grainger.com/product/1YT...E&gclsrc=aw.ds

I would love to see that rear bumper - please post pictures the swing arms and attach points.

[boywonder]

Originally Posted by 1der

I would love to see that rear bumper - please post pictures the swing arms and attach points.

Yes, those don't sound like Aluminess parts...they sound much better actually. Aluminess swing arms pivot on black delrin spacers.

[barrel47]

Here’s our swing arm. Can’t even figure out how to get the cap open. The set screw hole is micro. Still looks pretty king for someone who has opened this up and replaced the bearings. Thanks

[Scalf77]

So this is for a Sprinter? This forum is predominately ford E-series, so if your not asking about an E-series it is best to point that out. Or put it in your sig.