All Six outer bearings replacements tips/parts suggestions please.

[MAXII420]

Hello, I just got a 2001 MAXII (LOVE IT!) and I am giving it a full tune up and doing maintenance on EVERYTHING. My six outer bearing all have some play in them, and need replaced, two have a 1/8-1/4 inch of play in them. I was wondering what else I should check and or replace while doing this? The chains and sprockets were replaced about a year ago. It still operates perfectly, I just want to keep it that way! Also, who makes the BEST (strongest/longest lasting) "R3" bearings for this machine?
One more thing, is the foot break on these an actual break (not that I am a big fan of breaks!), or is it mainly only intended for a parking break? Thanks, Steve from NC

[jtb51b]

I just did this job, finished about 30 mins ago. All in all it took me about 9 hours of actual work over the past 2 weeks to complete the job. I replaced some bad chains while I was there and changed the fluid in the trans and engine. If I had not had bearing extensions it would have taken a LOT less time but those things are in the way.. Some advice: Go to harbor freight and buy a set of the long hex key sockets, you will need SAE ones. With these you can put them in the hole and then hit the end with a hammer to seat the wrench as well as break the set screw loose-- makes a world of difference. Chances are you will need a grinder with a 1/8" cut off wheel to remove some of the bearings, they will likely be frozen in place. Lots of people recommend "Buffalo Bearing" for the bearings but I had a bad experience with them so I will NOT. Buy local if possible. I would go ahead and do the inners as well, they are much cheaper and will save your new outers.

Jason

[MAXII420]

"Buy local if possible. I would go ahead and do the inners as well, they are much cheaper and will save your new outers."


Thanks for the reply!
Can I get them local? I did not know how standard of a bearing they were? I have a tractor supply(5min away), an Agri Supply (30min away), Advanced Auto(5min away) The main thing to look for is the R3 (tripple sealed) ones correct? Is there a preferable brand, or one that I should avoid due to poor quality? Thanks, I just want to do this job right the first time is all....

[jtb51b]

Try google, search for bearing and your city. There is probably an industrial bearing supply house nearby. Then all you need are the part numbers, and yes these are VERY common bearings. They use them in all sorts of applications, the flanges are fairly specific but just the bearings are nothing special at all.

Jason

[jpswift1]

I would go ahead and do the inners as well, they are much cheaper and will save your new outers."

Only if your Max II has inner bearings. The 1996 or 97 and older models used the stub shaft with bronze bushings.

[MAXII420]

It has inners. I have to remove the motor and battery to get to them all but no point in half-a$$ing it at this point, coyote came out with a REAL punch and got most of the collars off for me. (thanks bro)