Fintec bushing replacement - any tips

[*Ace*]

@GeoffV I ordered an 8 count bag today and they are due in next Wednesday.  I confirmed that this is indeed the part needed(JSM-1012-10). 

I will try and document my repair as I have had my heels on my boots for over 8 years now and they are well worn and current bushings/bearings are toast.

Edited January 27, 2018 by *Ace*

[digger jr]

Thanks Ace!

We all expect a humorous , but informative video to accompany your documentation. (Show off those Skwals)

[*Ace*]

I don't have the time or computing power to offer a proper video tutorial, so here is what I was able to manage.

 

Total time to replace bushing sleeves on 2x boots: ~2.5 hours

To replace the bushings on your Fintec heels you will need:

Wrench or screwdriver to remove hardware holding Fintec Heel onto boot

Bomber Butter(or comparable low temp grease)

4x - IGUS JSM-1012-10 bushing sleeves

Phillips Screwdriver

Pick tool(recommended, not necessary)

 

Step 1:  Lay out tools.

As you can see the bushing sleeve is hard to make out in this picture.  It should be flush with the side of the Fintec heel.

Step 2: Use pick tool to clean out the 4 fastener heads from dirt and rocks, remove fasteners.  As you can see these heels have many miles on them, over 250 days of riding.

Step 3:  Push in clip holding the handle on the pull cable, remove handle.

Step 4:  Remove screw holding on cover.  There are 2 grooves to pry cover out.  (note:  Inspect cable, mine had a wire coming out that is part of the sleeve.)

Step 5:  Remove center cam.

Step 6:  Remove springs.  Its best to pry up from side nearest aluminum case.

Step 7:  Remove pins to the cam sliders.

Step 8:  You can now slide out the main pins for the Fintec heel.

Step 9:  Remove old bushing sleeves.  This can be very tricky as the bushing sleeves are tightly fitted and there isn't a lot of room to maneuver. The surface area on the edge of the bushing is small and difficult to get a good position on.  Push them out from inside of the heel.  Using an Allen wrench worked well for me.

Step 10:  Admire your rubbish bearing sleeves and reflect on the glorious days of trench digging that they offered.

Note:  There are 3 dimples that ensure sleeves don't fall out.  This makes putting the new ones in a little tricky.

Step 11:  Insert new bearing sleeves.  The method that worked best for me was to line the bushings up with the hole and use a flat surface to force them in.  The 3 dimples mentioned earlier will shave some of the bushing off.  It is a very tight fit!  The bushing should be flush with the outside of the Fintec heel.  Note:  It is possible to push bearing sleeves in past flush, keep them flush!

Step 12:  Reassemble Fintec heel in the order that it was taken apart.  Be sure to use plenty of Bomber Butter, or comparable low-temp grease to properly lubricate parts.  Inspect final results and test.

Edited February 2, 2018 by *Ace*

[Beckmann AG]

Ace,

Is there any point in making a community batch of bushing press tools to facilitate the install?  

->Thinking a simple stepped dowel that would support and center the new bushing while you tap it in?

Also, did you ever get anywhere with that Skwal binding project?

Edited February 2, 2018 by Beckmann AG

[John E]

Thanks for the write-up. A thought on this: Once you remove the old bushings, use the correct sized reamer (or closest drill bit) to remove the dimples. Then, once the new ones are installed, make 3x new dimples with a centerpunch. That way, installing the new bushings won't gouge them up. 

[lowrider]

Use a short bolt of correct od to match id of new bushing. Instant driver.

[GeoffV]

Great update to this thread. @*Ace* thanks for providing pictures and details of your process. I'll be ordering some bushings. I have backup Fintecs and TD3s but want to add bushings to my list of items.

[digger jr]

Thanks Ace! 

Great tutorial.

Nice looking skwals there. 

Edited February 2, 2018 by digger jr

[pokkis]

I bought from ebay "Self Lubricating 10mm IDx12mm ODx 10mm Long Composite Bearing Bushing"

Cost with shipping for 10 pcs less than 4USD

I hope these will survive better than plastic ones