New guy with leaking (axles)

[Steve55]

Hi this is steve,
Just bought my first 6x6 Max IV 06 with 27Hp KAW. After taking it into the water, I found that it is leaking around the axles. Can someone tell what i need to replace. Do the bearings have anything to do with keeping out water or is it jut seals?

Thanks Steve from SJ.

[trevorakm1]

did you jack it up off the ground completely and wiggle the axles? will tell you which bearings are going. also while up put water in the tub and watch where it comes out of, all axles? not a max guy so beyond that I'm out of advice. I replaced all the old seals/ gaskets when I replaced bearings. You can also grease all the exterior bearings and do the water trick, may not get any leaks and just needed grease.

[Steve55]

Thanks for the info , Yes I did jack up the back 2 axles they had no wobble, I will try greasing the outer bearings ... have to remove the wheels so Ill try it tomorrow Thank you for reply!!

[john swenson]

it may be worth putting some water in the tub as trevor suggested ...could even be a small hole in the tub , but it seems after you remove the wheels and put some water in there , it sure should drip out somewhere . good luck .j,b,

[Steve55]

Thank you John , ... After getting squared away looking forward to taking my son and finding some places to ride, I will keep posted on what I find out

[onlyonce]

If bearings are in good shape then pump with grease as has been suggested. Then back off the

eccentric

locking collar and put a small bead of sealant where axle meets inner bearing race. Reinstall and tighten locking collar. I usually put another small head of sealant where axle goes through locking collar. You should then not have any issues with water leakage. There is always the possibility that water is seeping between the tub and skid plate and then around the bearing so make sure all flange bolts are tight. I usually put some sealant between those two as well.

[trevorakm1]

while you got it completely offthe ground save yourself some trouble and tighten the chains up. It will reduce some noise the machine makes. Can only be done properly with all tires off the ground.

[Steve55]

I sure appreciate all the help also found a video on youtube , Guy at work is suggesting to use "Flex Seal" Any options on that?

[mfenmor]

I sure appreciate all the help also found a video on youtube , Guy at work is suggesting to use "Flex Seal" Any options on that?

That stuff works great, but you may regret that choice if you have to take it apart for real repairs.
Fix it right the first time or could cost you more in the long run.

Lets see some pix of your suspected leaking areas. closeup.

[trevorakm1]

agreed ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ no flex seal except maybe in an emergency.

[Steve55]

I have unit all apart, bearings pressed off bearings ordered new bearings and proper seal. Doing the front 4 wheels will do the rears next winter(Not leaking).
Looks like I have to remove motor to access axles and bearings underneath. This does seem rather simple.... It was fear of the unknown. Thanks for the reply on flex seal was going to use it before reading this!
Once I figure out how to post pics here I will post pics of ATV thanks. Seems like a great group of people.