Hustler axle problems.

[Mr. D]

Does anyone have any suggestions for getting the sprocket assembly off of the axle shafts on an old hustler? I have tried everything I can think of and still can't get them to budge. So far I have gotten 2 of the 6 off but need to get the rest out to do some repair work on the chasis frame.

[boncrshr]

If they are stuck on the axle you could take the bolt out and use the motor to help break them free....

If they are spinning on the axle, but will not slip over the end...I'm kinda curious about that one also.

[Mr. D]

They seem to be seized onto the axle shaft. I've tried penetrating oil, pipe wrenches, hammer & punch and heating but can't get them to move. The only other thing I can think of is the cutting torch and trying to save either the axle or the sprockets.

[boncrshr]

Well, if you're motor and trans are still in place, you could try putting the chain back on that axle and somehow using the motor to break the axle free.

This is somewhat unique as a lot of times guys would drive around with the bolts out of the axles until they broke free. But you already have the other axles out. If you have not removed the outer bearings on the other axles, it would be a snap to put them back in without sprockets or chain and just drive in a straight line back and forth until it breaks free.

JPSwift will probably chime in later, he will have a better idea of what to do....

[Mike]

I had the same problem as you with my Max. I spent several hours trying to get the sprocket off. In the end I wish I would have just cut it sooner. I took an angle grinder and cut the sprocket tube.

[Mr. D]

Finally gave up and took the sawzall to them. My brother looked at them and said he could machine me some new axles for nothing(He's the boss at a hydraulic's shop).

[Mike]

It sucks to have to do that but with a brother that can help you out like that you should be good to go again in no time. Thanks for the update.

[Meinfield]

Mr D,

It does suck to have to re-do all your axles, but on the upside you have the opportunity to put in a much stronger axle. The old hustler axles would break at the pin holes if abused; you can machine a 1 1/4" solid axle with a 1/4" key way and purchase new martin sprockets from BDI or Motion Industries. A triple sealed 1 1/4" outer bearing with the same OD as the factory hustler bearing is available from BDI. Good luck!

[micmac]

Meinfield,

Could you explain the standard martin sprocket set up. Do they have a keyed axle tube with the sprockets attatched? any pics of your setup yould be great.

Mike

[boncrshr]

Mr D,

It does suck to have to re-do all your axles, but on the upside you have the opportunity to put in a much stronger axle. The old hustler axles would break at the pin holes if abused; you can machine a 1 1/4" solid axle with a 1/4" key way and purchase new martin sprockets from BDI or Motion Industries. A triple sealed 1 1/4" outer bearing with the same OD as the factory hustler bearing is available from BDI. Good luck!

Hey Mein,

You have a link/part# for those bearings? I want to compare them to the bearings that I have.

Thanks

[Meinfield]

Boncrshr,

I will try and dig up the receipt for the bearings and get you the number.

Micmac,

Check out this link:

http://www.martinsprocket.com/2001/SecEa.pdf#E43

The sprockets are welded on a hub with twin set screws and simply slide over the axles and bolt into place. This eliminates the need for an axle tube and pin bolt and because the center axle sprockets (3) are not welded together on a single tube, gear changes are cheap and easy. The axles I had made are 1 1/4" Dia. and have a 1/4" key way cut about 1/2 the length of the axle. It is a simple and stouter up grade to the hustler.

[boncrshr]

Hey Mein,

Thanks, just wanted to compare bearings, I have no idea if my outer bearings are triple sealed. BTW, we have almost the exact same setup, the only difference is that my sprockets are not welded together, they are three separate sprockets. My set screws backed out, causing this last breakdown. I think I am going to put a back-up set screw in each one to eliminate this problem. Thoughts?

BTW, check out the pics in my thread and look at the inner bearings I got. They are super heavy duty compared to stock. Funny story behind that....I took one of the original bearings to a local bearing place and asked if they could match it up. The guy looked at the bearing and said "No we don't sell anything that poorly made"....really dry and kinda funny. I decided I did not like him because he reminded me of me...but I bought six bearings.

[Meinfield]

Hey Boncrshr,


I can't seem to find the receipt for those bearings, but I bought them from BDI and fairly sure they were timken.
Timken - Bearings
Anyhow, hope this helps.

Are you still having problems with the sprocket set screws working loose? Mine need tightening after every ride, so last night I set each one with a little loctite. Hopefully this will eliminate the problem.
I saw the inner bearings on your hustler...nice. Looks like that with the braces you welded in ought to make for a bombproof set up.

[boncrshr]

Hey Mein,

Thanks for the help, I will do some research. As far as the set screws backing out, I have not driven it enough to know. This weekend will be the test. I have not used Loctite as I had put some grease in the set screw holes, and I did not want to use a solvent to clean them out, as it would also wash the grease from between the sprockets and axles. I have a two-pronged approach:
1) I bought a set of extra long hex drivers that should allow me to get the set screws tighter. They were really sweet BTW, much easier than an Allen wrench. I got it at harbor freight for 14.00.
2) I am going to buy an extra set of set-screws and put them in on top of the other ones, kinda like a back up.

I will keep you posted, and let me know how the Loctite works.

BTW, my new favorite toy is my shop vac...it makes getting the bottom of the tub clean SO easy.

[Roger S]

Can't live right without a shop vac

I use Q tips in solvent to prep the sprocket holes for loctite.