Refresh my memory - swivel rebuild

It has been few years since I rebuilt swivels and have only ever done it in the past where I have replaced the swivel as part of the rebuild kit. Looks like I will need to replace the top bush (old style front axle) do I need to remove the swivel ball to replace the inner seal or will it fit over the ball once the bush is removed? I know people do, but I dont want to, split it and glue it back together when just replacing the seal, but I will be partially stripped down anyway.

They're smaller than the diameter of the ball. So you'll probably need to take the ball off the centre part of the axle if you don't want to cut it. Anyway, that's an opportunity to change the gasket, put a new seal in between the axle and the swivel ball and give everything a good clean. Not to mention a collection of war stories about engaging in mortal combat with the bolts holding the swivel to the axle casing.

No mate, it will not fit over even with bush removed.
I just remove the whole swivel housing complete with hub [ caliper to one side ] at the axle to change the swivel ball seal. Bit of a lump but doable.
As you are changing bush it is a dismantle job. However [ hope I remember right ] it is possible to remove hub and the swivel housing as a complete unit by removing top and bottom pins. Keep any lower pin shims separate.

Aviation spanners are good for the swivel to axle case bolts. Also consider fitting new fixings when you put it back on. I used locktite on the threads as apparently it also reduces corrosion on the threads (as well as keeping the bolts in place).

Brown said:

They're smaller than the diameter of the ball.

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tottot said:

No mate, it will not fit over even with bush removed.

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Thank you, so even though I ma not replacing the ball it will still be a full strip down.

Dr Strangeglove said:

Aviation spanners are good for the swivel to axle case bolts. Also consider fitting new fixings when you put it back on. I used locktite on the threads as apparently it also reduces corrosion on the threads (as well as keeping the bolts in place).

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I didn't have too much trouble with removing the ball when I replaced them last time and they have only been fitted for about 10 years this time around rather than nearly 30! I am hopeful it will be fairly straight forward.