axle couplers

[john swenson]

after changing the outer bearings on my max 2 a few times, especially the back left under the engine, i bought a 1 1/4 in i.d shaft coupler. then sawed the axle in half between the outer bearing and hub. now i just loosen the coupler , slide it off with the hub part, change the bearing, and put it back. much quicker than pulling the whole axle out. never had any slipping , etc. with the coupler. in fact i believe it is stronger than the axle itself. only drawback is they are around 50.oo apiece. but it has sure made the job easier. maybe this will help someone. johnboy .va.

[flippy]

awesome idea!

[Outlaw1]

Pics??? I remember that one being a real PIA

[john swenson]

outlaw, no pics but it's real easy. kind of scary thinking about sawing thru a good axle. but sure did make bearing change easy. the only modifying i did was went back and drilled a 3/16'' hole thru each side of the coupler and thru the axle and put a roll pin in just for exra grip, even though the couplers really clamp tight. have not had any issues with them. johnboy va.

[flippy]

thats how I would like to attach axle shaft u joints if I ever build a springer.

[tonyk72]

Sounds like a good option for somebody who has to cut their axle due to a frozen sprocket.

[john swenson]

yea guys, when i had to replace rear left outer axle bearing yesterday, only took me about 15 - 20 min. just loosend the coupler bolts, tapped the roll pin out, slipped it off the axle. pulled the bearing out ,popped a new one in and back together. worth the $50 for me instead of pulling the whole axle. especially after replacing the bearing more than once. johnboy va.

[flippy]

surplus center has 1 1/4" keyed shaft couplers for $15 each,might work if they were drilled and pinned.

[john swenson]

just remember the one's i got from mcmaster carr for $50.00 are a split shaft coupler. they are almost 3 1/2 '' long and 3/16'' thick. there are 4 allen screws that when tighten really clamp down firm on the axle. they also sell a 2 piece coupler that has 8 allen screws , but they are used more in a situation where you can't remove a shaft to slide the coupler on. not sure one for $15 is the same. check mcmaster carr catalog online. good luck. johnboy va.

[john swenson]

sorry, the couplers are 3/8'' thick. big difference than 3/16''.

[flippy]

I thought they were mentioning the keyway size being 5/16 on the surplus center sight.I am familiar with the clamping collars like you used very good product I just cant afford that!I live on the wrong side of the tracks!The o.d. is 2 1/8 " and length is 4 1/2". my math says 2 1/8 - 1 1/4 would make it 3/8 thick but I am probably wrong- Mcmaster carr does not sell junk and I have kicked myself many times for being a cheapskat you do get what you pay for,