What's new
Drummerworld Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

How to replace pedal bearings

Hello all! Around 6 months ago I got a pair of Iron Cobra 900 powerglides, and within the last month or so they have started to feel like they’re losing responsiveness regardless of spring tension/other settings. I just replaced the springs with the heavier gauge ones that Tama sells and it has improved them somewhat, but the problem remains. Recently I got replacement “Bones Reds” bearings to replace my old ones, but cannot figure out how to replace them as information on the internet seems sparse. Any input on how to do so would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
 
Hello all! Around 6 months ago I got a pair of Iron Cobra 900 powerglides, and within the last month or so they have started to feel like they’re losing responsiveness regardless of spring tension/other settings. I just replaced the springs with the heavier gauge ones that Tama sells and it has improved them somewhat, but the problem remains. Recently I got replacement “Bones Reds” bearings to replace my old ones, but cannot figure out how to replace them as information on the internet seems sparse. Any input on how to do so would be greatly appreciated, thank you!
The answer to this will really depend on which generation of this pedal you have, can you post pictures? One generation has allen key screws that take off a top piece allowing you to move the entire "axle" or shaft, whatever you want to call it. Another generation has allen key screws on the ends of the axle so you'd have to take those off and basically disassemble that entire mechanism then pop out the old bearings. Another generation is similar to this except uses hex bolts instead of of allen key screws.

We can definitely help, you just need to show us what you are working with first.
 
do bearing "fall" out or do they need "tapped" out usually +/- plus there's like a "ring" (bushing) that sometimes (or all the time) goes "along" next? to the bearing. Does that need tapped out also... @roncadillac
I suspect bearings and whatever accompanies next to them need force/ tapped out
Pressed fit?

1747162847443.pngbearing and bushing:

1747162884856.png
 
do bearing "fall" out or do they need "tapped" out usually +/- plus there's like a "ring" (bushing) that sometimes (or all the time) goes "along" next? to the bearing. Does that need tapped out also... @roncadillac
I suspect bearings and whatever accompanies next to them need force/ tapped out
Pressed fit?

View attachment 157345bearing and bushing:

View attachment 157346
I have seen both, it really depends on the pedal. Even the Tama Iron Cobra 900 powerglide has had several generations each with subtle changes including the bearing "housing".
 
Thank you so much, I should have mentioned that they are the newer generation of Iron Cobra.
 

Attachments

  • IMG_3885.jpeg
    IMG_3885.jpeg
    497.4 KB · Views: 20
  • IMG_3873.jpeg
    IMG_3873.jpeg
    639.7 KB · Views: 20
Ok, see the chromed pieces on each end that have two smaller Phillips screws at the bottom and one larger allen key screw at the top? Those are basically plates that hold the axle and bearings in place.

1. Take the spring off the rocker so there is no tension on the axle any more
2. Use a drum key to take the chain off the cam then use an Allen key to loosen the cam from the axle
3. Use an Allen key to loosen the piece holding the beater (where it is attached to the axle, not where it's holding the beater)
3. Take the two Phillips head screws off each side, this should allow the plates to come off exposing the bearings
4. Use an Allen key to take the larger screws out, now you should be able to slide the axle out
5. Push or gently tap the old bearings out, put the new bearings in.
6. Repeat the above steps in reverse to reassemble

This is a general guide based on the design without me being hands on with it but it's a good starting point.

If this doesn't work or gives you a hard time send an email to Hoshino the usa importer of Tama, they are very helpful and should be able to be more specific [email protected]
 
Last edited:
Also I can't help but notice your pedal's footboard is practically bottomed out. I can't see how you could even play that pedal without it hitting the bottom. Is that how you set it up or is that a symptom of the problem you are trying to fix?

I'm pretty sure this is the model with the cobra coil under the foot board, if it's that low at its resting point you may want to consider replacing that as well.
 
Ron might be onto something there. I have an IC but haven’t played it for years. Could your footboard height have gradually slipped down because the adjustment is worn/not secured? On the right hand post at the top, I think that rod adjusts beater angle/footboard height but I could be wrong, might just be beater angle.
 
Ok, see the chromed pieces on each end that have two smaller Phillips screws at the bottom and one larger allen key screw at the top? Those are basically plates that hold the axle and bearings in place.

1. Take the spring off the rocker so there is no tension on the axle any more
2. Use a drum key to take the chain off the cam then use an Allen key to loosen the cam from the axle
3. Use an Allen key to loosen the piece holding the beater (where it is attached to the axle, not where it's holding the beater)
3. Take the two Phillips head screws off each side, this should allow the plates to come off exposing the bearings
4. Use an Allen key to take the larger screws out, now you should be able to slide the axle out
5. Push or gently tap the old bearings out, put the new bearings in.
6. Repeat the above steps in reverse to reassemble

This is a general guide based on the design without me being hands on with it but it's a good starting point.

If this doesn't work or gives you a hard time send an email to Hoshino the usa importer of Tama, they are very helpful and should be able to be more specific [email protected]
Thank you so much for the instructions, I’m looking forward to getting my new bearings in.
 
Also I can't help but notice your pedal's footboard is practically bottomed out. I can't see how you could even play that pedal without it hitting the bottom. Is that how you set it up or is that a symptom of the problem you are trying to fix?

I'm pretty sure this is the model with the cobra coil under the foot board, if it's that low at its resting point you may want to consider replacing that as well.
The footboards don’t hit the bottom and I removed the cobra coils. I have tried to use the independent beater angle footboard angle adjustments but they seem to move eachother whenever I attempt to adjust them individually.
 
Thank you so much for the instructions, I’m looking forward to getting my new bearings in.
The Tama drum key on the side that has the Allen wrench ends should fit most of those if I remember correctly but you still may need a set, I feel like one of them is bigger or smaller but I haven't had an iron Cobra pedal in a few years
 
Top