I am trying to change the bearings on the rear suspension upper idler wheels on a 2002 Panther Classic. How do you get these wheels off? They are plastic, and I can't use a gear puller on them. Any ideas would help?

Assuming you've gotten the aluminum spacer off - perhaps a big assumption since aluminum and steel can really set up, especially near the coast as it sounds like you might be; but with the spacer off, you can either try Kroil, WD-40, or other penetrating oil to loosen the inner bearing race from the shaft, or you can remove the snap ring hold the wheel and bearing together and pull the wheel off, then making the bearing "pullable." (I have had those bearings so well seized that I've actually had to break them, sometimes the quickest of simple ways to remove them. You could also grind them off. In either case, protect yourself since stuff will fly.) I always smooth the shafts with silicon carbide or judicious use of a mill file and then grease them before replacing bearings. (We are coastal and slatwater plays havoc big time!)

Great idea; and it worked. I had never thought of taking off the cir-clip with the wheel still installed. The rear suspension spring was in the way a bit, but I worked around it. I have always taken off the aluminium wheels with a gear puller. Thanks again to this web site!!