Yeti SB5c - jammed / seized Switch Infinity collet axle

[starsend]

I have been attempted to strip down an SB5c for the first time, managed to get as far as the collet axle that goes through the Switch Infinity link, but it appears to have seized on the bearings on the Switch Infinity link.  The collet axle is free to turn but tightens up as it is unscewed as the rear triangle 'stretches' and I don't want to try too hard. I have used lots of penetrating fluid over night but to no avail.

Has anybody had this problem and any words of wisdom as to how it can be removed?

[Andrew]

Yes, happens a lot.

I tapped/hit mine to get it free.

[starsend]

Thanks Andrew for the reply.

I haven't completely unscrewed the collet axle because it gets tighter and tighter and bends the rear triangle. Spoken to Yeti in the UK and they suggested that I make sure that the other collet is in place then try. I am so nervous about using anything to hit the collet when it is still partially screwed in on the one side. I did try gently hitting it with the opposite side collet wedge in place but not fully skewed in and hit through the collet axle, but no joy. I will leave it for a bit and hope it comes loose after some riding, then try again.

[paceman]

Starsend, did you have any luck removing the axle?

The main pivot axle on my SB5 has done the same thing, seized itself to the Switch Infinity bearings. When I undo the collet axle it just pushes the oval shaped nut out of the other side of the swingarm. Once undone it just spins on the bearings but won't come out.

I've hit it a few times with a rubber hammer and drift the same size as the bolt but so far its not budged.

Anyone else had this and found a solution?

Thanks

Paceman

[paceman]

For future reference...

I sorted the main pivot axle issue on my SB5 last night and fitted new Switch Infinity Unit Bearings. The collet bolt axle was also good to use again after cleaning and re-greasing, so no big expense. The problem was that the old Switch bearings had rusted on the inner bearing race and then seized onto the axle bolt.

Here's what I did:

After releasing all the air out of the shock and removing the cranks to allow access to the Switch Infinity Unit, I used a liberal amount of Halfords Shock and Unlock spray on the bearings and inside the collet bolt, and left it to soak in for 5mins. I was then able to tap out the bolt from the back with a rubber-faced dead hammer with the frame laid on it's side and supported on a block of wood/soft cloth. It needed a few good hits to achieve this, but once it started to budge it came out easily with no harm done.

In future I'll be taking out the main pivot axle every couple of months and re-greasing it as part of my maintenance routine.