Published: 25th May 2025 Written By: Janice 
Monday Mechanics: How do I check for possible play in my Pivot Bearings?
Last week, we spoke about corroded bearings and how you can tell that your bearing(s) is(are) corroding; this is, usually, by way of loud grinding noises coming from your bike.
What we haven't covered, so far, is how to check your bearings for play; another sign that your bearing(s) need replaced.
If you look at our Bike Brand pages such as for Trek, you can see that they detail recommendations for checking your bike bearings and replacing them (our Subscription Plans are designed to be in line with these recommendations), with most Brands recommending that you check for play before every ride. Why? Because, if your bearings fail, you can irreparably damage your bike or worse, do yourself an injury.
So, if you're not a bike mechanic or a DIY cycling enthusiast, how do you do this?
Phase 1 - Quick Check Before every ride
Saddle Check
With your bike on the ground, lift your saddle slightly to see if there's any movement; if there's play, you'll feel the movement here. That's not to say that it's, definitely, your pivot bearings so, now, its a process of elimination.
First thing to check is your Shock eyelet inserts. These are designed to wear so that your shock doesn't wear. If the shock eyelet inserts are worn then the play could be coming from here and not your bearings. If these eyelets look okay, then chances are it's your bearings.
(NOTE: If you have a dropper post, some slight movement in that may, also, be confused for bearing play so double check that, too)
Back-End Check
Hold the front half of your frame with one hand and hold the back end of your frame with the other. Move the back end of the bike from side to side to check for play. As with the saddle check, this doesn't necessarily mean that it's your bearings that are the problem; the play could be a result of play in the hub (so, firstly, check this for movement) and, also, could be an issue with the spoke tension in your rear wheel (so, check that your spokes are as they should be).
After performing these checks, if you believe that there is play in your pivot bearings then the important thing is to reschedule your ride until the bearings are checked and replaced.
If you have a work-stand for holding your bike and the necessary tools then there are further checks that can be done to determine if the play is coming from your bearings so you can head to Phase 2 below.
If you don't have a work-stand or tools, then skip to Phase 3.
If you don't notice any play, result! Have a great ride!
Phase 2 - More in-depth check
Put your bike on the work-stand.
The next thing you want to do is to work your way around the bike, checking that all bolts are tight and torqued to the Bike Brands specification. This can be found in your Bike's User Manual. Loose bolts can give the impression of play in the bearings.
Remove your rear wheel and shock. This eliminates them from your enquiries meaning that any play noted is, likely, coming from your bearings. Go around your pivot points checking for play.
Check your back end. This should freely travel. If there's any side-to-side play this could indicate that your bearing(s) are failing.
If, after taking these steps, you no longer notice play then your bearings should be okay but it does indicate that your Shock eyelet inserts could need replaced or there is an issue with your hub.
Go to Phase 3
(if you're a DIY enthusiast and have the tools then you may wish to skip the next Phase and head straight to repairing and/ or replacing the problem parts or components).
Phase 3 - Your Friendly Local Bike Shop
This Blog has been written to help riders (without the relevant technical knowledge) to carry out the pre-ride checks recommended by Manufacturers.
So, if you're one of these riders and you have identified play in Phase 1, then you're going to need some help from your Friendly Local Bike Shop . Whether that be to have your pivot bearings replaced or for your hub and/ or Shock Eyelet inserts to be checked.
Conclusion
You've spent a lot of money on your bike and you, also, want to keep yourself fit and healthy so getting yourself into the habit of completing these checks prior to your rides is a win-win. Noticing problems early will save on repair costs and will prevent the worst case scenario of irreparably damaging your frame and hurting yourself.
Following these checks will help you get to know your bike better and how it works. When you take it to be repaired, you'll be able to tell the mechanic how you've spotted the problem and what you've experienced. Making diagnosis more straight-forward.
You'll, also, know what to keep an eye out for in future!
If this Blog post as helped you, let us know over on our Social Media (icons up on the top left of the website) and feel free to mention us when you visit your repair shop. We offer 10% discount for Trade Accounts and quick delivery on our bearings and Frame Bearing Kits!
