Attex Sprocket Bolt Removal

[RocketHurricane]

My Attex Chief has a bent right front axle that I need to replace. I was able to loosen the inner and outer bearing collars no prob, but when it came to removing the sprocket bolt, it was stuck in the axle big time. I I guess this really is a "body bound bolt". Before I resort to cutting and drilling the bolt out, anyone have any suggestions on how to get this out?

Sprocket Bolt.jpg

[jpswift1]

I had this happen to me on one of my Attexes, and unfortunately I just had to bite the bullet and cut the head off with a die grinder and tap it through with a punch.

[RocketHurricane]

Well, still fighting this bolt. Tried to pound it out but no luck Even the cup washers are stuck tight, so cut the bolt at the cup washers and tried to drill it out, but it's a Grade 8 bolt and wouldnt drill. We heated it up with a torch to anneal the bolt so the drill could get a bite. Almost have it drilled out now, butbthat Grade 8 bolt is tough on the drill bit. Will try to finish it tomorrow night, but I'm not looking forward to trying to pull this axle out of that sprocket tube!

[hydromike]

Hang in there, Rocket; you'll get it.

Over the years, I've had quite a few that were stuck in there pretty good. Usually, a good dose of heat and a drift or a punch gets them taken care of. I think I've only ever had to drill one out, and that machine was in pretty rough shape overall.

Good luck!

[RocketHurricane]

Death of an Axle

Try as we might, we could not get the sprocket to budge off this darn axle. Had to resort to cutting up the axle and sprocket in place. Even with a 3 inch section of axle/sprocket tube removed from the inside of the frame, we could not drive the axle thru the outer bearing, not even the smallest amount. Had to resort to cutting up the outer bearing so we could push the axle/bearing through tub/frame hole.

Now we will have to see if we can remove the remnants of the axle from the hub so we can reuse it when we fab a new axle and sprocket tube. It's been a long two nights of battling stubborn steel and I'm to tired to search...if anyone wants to offer up where to get a proper sprocket for a 73 Attex Chief, or if you just happen to have an old 1" balloon tire hub that is free from it's axle that's cluttering up your shop, let me know. I just might take it off your hands...

I had planned on replacing bearings on all six axles, but after this struggle I think I'll just grease up the other 5 and see how long they last as is...

IMG_2941.jpgIMG_2950.jpgDeath of an Axle.jpg

[RocketHurricane]

Can anyone provide the specs for a Sprocket for the front axle on an Attex Chief? I have 1" dia. axles, and I think #50 chains but nit sure how to check the chains I've looked on McMaster-Carr at what they have, but I'm not sure exactly what I will need. Can anyone recommend a preferred supplier? Also any advice on bearings would be appreciated. I've seen Buffalo Bearings mentioned, will they know what an Attex needs?

Will I have to machine the sprocket so it will fit over a new sprocket tube, fir example, or should I get a new axle and tube first, and try and order a Sprocket to fit the OD if the tube?

Thanks all for any advice

[amphibious drew]

Buffalo bearings knows their stuff. The part numbers have been posted on here for inner and outer bearings. The chain should be 50lb. don't cheap out on it. it will cost you more in the long run if you keep your.machine. also, what's your tooth count on your front socket I may have an extra I could sell you cheap.

[hydromike]

hey Rocket',

For stock replacement bearings, you'll need to have two 52mm, 1" ID bearings. On an Attex Chief, original equipment will be a Fafnir RA100RRB (or equivalent) for the outers. It'll have an eccentric locking collar on it with one set screw. You can use the same bearing on the inner as well, but you don't really need the locking collar if you don't want to use it. I believe original equipment came without a locking collar, and just a set screw. On these 1" bearings, the set screw really only holds to a point. The sprocket tube helps keep the axle in place in case the locking collar loosens up (or breaks) on the outer bearing. Buffalo Bearing can set you up fine. Just tell them you're looking for the equivalent for a Fafnir RA100RRB. Might as well get a few of them in case another bearing goes south on you in the future.

You'll be looking for #50 Chain. US Tsubaki, Diamond, and Reynolds are all pretty good brands. Each of these have their "import" variety which is typically a bit cheaper, and still seems to hold up pretty well. McMaster-Carr, Motion Industries, etc. are all good places to get chain. You may have a local supply place that can get you some, too. Saves on shipping. I don't know what your tooth count is on the sprocket (probably 20 or 22), but obviously you have to stick with that number of teeth. You can cut the old sprocket off the tube with a hacksaw; just cut through the weld on each side of the sprocket. It works pretty well. You should be able to drive the old tube out through the sprocket at that point. Take the old sprocket tube down to a metal supply shop and get a piece of 1" diameter DOM tubing (NOT pipe, it'll have a weld seam, and the axle won't slide in there...) and have them get you the same wall thickness. If they can provide you with the same wall thickness, your sprocket should slide right onto the new tube. Make sure to test fit the tube on the axle, and the sprocket on the tube to make sure everything is lined up before you drill the new axle bolt hole and get the sprocket welded on the tube...

[RocketHurricane]

Thanks for the info guys, just what I needed. Drew, I think i'll try to cut off my existing sprocket and reuse it first, but I'll remember your offer if that doesn't work out.

If anyone has a spare 3 bolt hub tube let me know. I don't know how I'll get the remnants of my axle out of my hub tube.

[amphibious drew]

If you do some research, you can buy wheel hubs new that are 1inch hubs with a four lug bolt. I remember someone was making them work but cant remember who. Just throwing it out there, but if your rim commited to 5 lug or 3 lug you would have to drill and restud.

[krahsb]

here is what i did to get my hubs off. first i used a dremel tool to cut cut a slit in the side of the tube. i cut the slit on the side perpendicular to the bolt hole.

nIMG_1679.jpgnIMG_1681.jpg

i then drilled a hole in the hub end.

nIMG_1680.jpg

i was then able to press the hub off the axle using the hole in the hub end, a lot of PB blaster, and heat. it wasn't easy but worked. i suppose you could weld up the slit afterwards, however i didn't bother. i think the bolt holds the hub together just fine.
hope this helps. good luck

[racerone3]

I have one that your welcome to. shipping would be $12.95 for a usps flat rate box to anywhere in the lower 48 send me a P?M and we can work out the details.