V10 Bearing Overhaul Instructions

The VP-Free is a complex machine that requires a high level of mechanical aptitude and specialized tools to overhaul. This type of overhaul is best performed by an SCB dealer or qualified mechanic. Before beginning this process, one should obtain the required replacement parts.

Additional Details

Tools required:

(2) 5mm Allen Wrenches
(2) 6mm Allen Wrenches
8mm Allen Wrench
242 loctite
Rock and Roll Super Coat grease
Plastic or Rubber Mallet
punch
1/2" or 13mm Box End Wrench

The V10 Pro-Pack Includes:

(8) 6901SM Lower Bearings
(4) 6901SM Inner Seals
(2) Lower Pivot Axles
(1) Upper Pivot Axle
(4) Pivot washer Low-pro
(2) Pivot cap Seatstay
(2) upper Pivot Washer M8
(2) M8 x 14 Ti Bolt
(2) M8 x 22 Ti Bolt
(2) M8 x 45 Shock Bolt
(2) M8 Nylock Nut
(4) Lower Pivot Chainring Bolts
(4) M8 Shock Bolt Washers
(5) 1/2" I.D. Shim Washer
(2) M8 I.D. Shim Washer

The V10 Bearing Pack Includes:

(8) 6901SM bearings

Step 1: Read the Instructions!

It's the right thing to do, so just go ahead and do it. Understand what you are about to encounter. Remove rear wheel, crankset, BB, rear derailleur, and rear brake caliper from frame. Clean off the major dirt so you don't contaminate grease or loctite later on.

Step 2: Remove the Upper Link Pivot Axle

a) Using your 6mm allen wrenches, remove one of the M8 bolts in the uppermost pivot axle. Once it is removed, install it back in without it's washer.
b) Once the bolt is threaded in 6-7 threads, tap on the bolt head with your mallet until the axle is removed.
c) Take care not to lose the shim washers between the bearings and the frame. ( Fig. 1)

Fig. 1

Step 3: Remove Upper Link

a) Using a 6mm allen wrench, unscrew the M8 bolts connecting the upper link to the swingarm
b) Take care not to lose the shim washers between the bearings and the swingarm. The seatstay end pivot caps do not have to be removed at this time.

Step 4: Remove Shock

a) Use your 6mm allen wrench and 1/2" or 13mm box end wrench to remove both shock bolts

Step 5: Remove Lower Link

a) Using the 5mm allen wrenches, remove the lower pivot axles using the same procedure as step 2
b) Take care not to lose the shim washer on the swingarm non-drive side. ( Fig. 2 )

Fig. 2

Step 6: Clean and Loctite Pinch Bolts

a) Use your 5mm allen wrench, remove all bearing pinch bolts from the upper link, mainframe, and swingarm
b) Clean the dirt and dried loctite off of them
c) Apply loctite 242 to all pinch bolts and install loosely in their place

Step 7

a) Push out all 4 upper link bearings, and fit new 6901SM bearings in their place. Orient them so the thicker inner race is facing the frame.
b) Snug down pinch bolts to hold bearings in place
c) Remove lower link bearings
d) Install the rubber inner seals onto the lower bearings. They go on the side of the bearing with the thicker inner race.
e) Install the 4 lower bearings so the black rubber seals face the link. ( Fig. 3 )

Fig. 3

Step 8

a) Clean pivot axles and bolts so they are free of grease, dirt, and loctite.
b) Coat the external surface of each pivot axle with Rock and Roll Super Coat Grease, or another high quality, sticky, slick grease.

Step 9

a) Install lower link to swingarm with a pivot axle. Place the 1/2" ID shim washer on the non-drive side, between the link and the bearing.
b) Install the other pivot axle into the mainframe. Make sure both axles are fully engaged in their 2 bearings.
c) Loosen all 4 bearing pinch bolts to allow the bearings to float in the frame.
d) Install pivot axle bolts and Low-pro washers with loctite 242. Torque to 115 in/lbs.
e) Tighten all 4 pinch bolts to 65 in/lbs.
f) Check lower link for smooth operation and make sure there is no lateral play. ( Fig. 4 )

Fig. 4

Step 10: Assemble Upper Linkage

a) Install the uppermost pivot axle first, with (2) 1/2" shim washers on each side. The shim washers go between the bearings and main frame.
b) Once the axle has fully engaged both bearings and all 4 shim washers, install the M8 x 14 pivot axle bolt with loctite 242. Don't tighten it yet.
c) Install the seatstay end pivot caps into the lower bearings of the upper link. Grease the portion of the cap that goes through the bearing.
d) Install 1 M8 shim washer between each of the bearings and the swingarm, and install the M8 x 22 bolts with loctite 242. Don't fully tighten at this time.
e) Loosen all 6 pinch bolts on the upper link. Tighten the upper pivot axle bolts to 135 in/lbs.
f) Tighten seatstay end bolts each to 135 in/lbs.
g) Pull the upper links away from the centerline of the bike (spread them apart), and tighten the 4 bearing pinch bolts to 65 in/lbs.
h) Center the silver upper link brace and tighten both pinch bolts to 70 in/lbs.
i) Check for smooth operation and make sure there is no lateral play. ( Fig. 5 )

Fig. 4

Step 11: Install Shock

a) Install rear shock bolt first, with a washer on each side. Torque nut to 190 in/lbs
b) Repeat for forward shock bolt. ( Fig. 6 )

Fig. 5

Step 12: Check Pivot Axles for Proper Function

a) There is a possibility that your pivot axles may be a little too long for your slightly worn links. This is a test to make sure your axles are short enough to properly clamp everything.
b) Make sure all the bolts are torqued to spec. using two allen wrenches (one on each side).
c) Take one allen wrench and try to turn each of the pivots clockwise.
d) If any of these axles spin, tighten the bolts more and try again. If you have an axle where the bolts are very tight, but the axle spins when turned, the bolts are bottomed out on the ends of the axle.
e) Remove any spinning pivot axles and shorten 1-2mm using a file or grinder. Install and re-test.