Sprocket stuck on splined max IV axle

[Mholtz]

I am changing the bearings in my 2000 max IV and I have finally got both front axles off. The main problem I had was with the sprocket. There are 2 set screws in the same hole. The first came out fine but the second I had to drill on both of them. I put a new hole in on the opposite side of the sprocket. I am going to use a FULL size set screw. Is this a bad idea or how should I attach the sprocket back on? It seems like the set screw over time just got a little bent or mushroomed to the axle and would NOT budge. Any help advice would be great

[egoperf]

first off when RI builds the machine they loctite the set screws in. The easiest way to get them out is just give them alittle heat, they should come rite out. The newer max uses snap rings on each side of the sprockets. If you have acsess to a machine shop have them cut snap ring groves in the axles, this will make it much easier next time you have to work on it

[Mholtz]

Thanks, yes I do have access. I heated the sprocket a good bit and they really would not budge. I was thinking of using a stainless allen head screw to hold them in there this time with a little bigger hole tapped. any thought on that?

[Eldon]

I used a 325 watt soldering gun to heat my set screws,and it worked really good. The locktite acts like a lubricant when it gets thin with heat. The snap rings is a good idea if they are as reliable as set screws properly installed.

[jpswift1]

The snap rings are more reliable than the set screws. That's why Recreatives makes all their machines with this setup today.

[cled]

Here at work whenever we have a sprocket mounted on a shaft in able to garentee it wont move we will drill the shaft out about 1/8 inch deep to make a divit in the shaft and then reinstall the sprocket then insert and tighten down the allen set screw. Some time we will double them up with never seize or when using one fill in the remainder of the theads with silicone to keep the sprocket theads clean for removable next time.

[cled]

If it comes to drilling it out use a reverse drill bit. It may catch and turn your stubborn allen screw out. Also use a torch and get it nice and red that works good too causing the metals to expand under heat.. or dill it out and tap it to the next size up. I would use grade 8 allens if not 5 over stanless because by any chance u have to burn the allen out stainless doesnt burn to well with a torch. It makes a mess and most likey the sproket will melt before your non ferrous allen will.

[fmints]

Here at work whenever we have a sprocket mounted on a shaft in able to garentee it wont move we will drill the shaft out about 1/8 inch deep to make a divit in the shaft and then reinstall the sprocket then insert and tighten down the allen set screw. Some time we will double them up with never seize or when using one fill in the remainder of the theads with silicone to keep the sprocket theads clean for removable next time.

Great idea with filling the remainer of the hole with silicone to keep it clean!!!

[MaxRules]

The old double set screw design always caused problems like the one you just had. The first set screw is held by red loctite and requires heat to remove, but the second screw is often just damaged and won't come out. Recreatives has a revised set screw that is larger and longer that prevents most future problems. Upgrading all the way to snap ring is the best way to go but will cost you quite a bit if you have to buy the parts, or cost you time in machining your existing parts.