Bicycle Mechanics - Giant NRS Bearings - cooked

The rear sus bearings on my 2001 Giant NRS are cooked. Not seized - yet - but clearly need to be replaced.

I haven't obtained a rebuild kit yet, but my concern is how to get the old bearings out and the new bearings in. The bearings appear to be pressed in. Will I need a special tool, or just a big hammer?

Usually they come out with a hammer and punch. It is best if you can back the part on a block of wood with a hole drilled in it big enough for the bearing to pass thru. Tap the new one in using a socket that only touches the outer race, other wise you may damage the seals or even the bearing.

look for cheap bearing kits online...perhaps even here in bikeforums.

Very good advice. Now need to find bearings.

Even if you don't get them from me, buy enduro MAX bearings. They are replacement catrtidge bearings, but instead of 10 balls and a cage, it's just 11 balls. Less friction and more holding capacity. You can order them from any decent bike shop, but expect to pay about 10 bucks a pop.

http://www.endurobearings.com/products/enduro_bearings.html

You could also get a cheaper set of bearigs in a kit for your bike:
http://www.mtb-bearings.com/products.htm

Whack out your old bearings the most convenient way you can. Gently whack in your new bearings using a socket with the same outer diameter as the OUTER race of the cartridge bearing. Putting too much pressure on the inner race may damage the internals.