hc vs uc axle bearings

[triknologist]

Standard Max axle bearings are hc style (ecentric locking collar), has anyone ever tried using a uc style bearing that uses two set screws to secure inner race to axle instead of the locking collar? Seems like it work work fine to me, only issue I can poosibly see is if the set screws mar the axle to the point the sprocket and bearings will not pass over the axle for removal. Anyone used them or have thoughts on well they would work?

[thebuggyman1]

The eccentric locking collars hold the axle in place. Without them the axle can move quite a bit and throw a chain or worse. You may also have a problem finding the UC style with the -R3 (triple seal) designation. The UC should have a single seal and would be fine for the inner bearings IF you add a split lock collar to the axle.....I do that anyway. I've seen a lot of the eccentric collars break off the small edge of the inner race.

[triknologist]

The set screws would do the holding instead of the collars, also converting to splined axle so the bolt on inner end of shaft keeps axle retained aswell. They are also available in r3 and trl triple seal lip just like HC bearings. Any othre reasons why not to use them on the outer bearings like they are on inner bearings?

[ARGOJIM]

If you put the set screw bearings in, align the axle and drill a countersunk hole where each set screw will sit to aid keeping axle in place and bearing from spinning, use knurled point set screws if they don't come in the bearings.

Make sure the bearing house orders correct width and extended shoulder ( about 1/4" over standard) bearings. UC's are wider than SA's and will spin in the flanges.

[thebuggyman1]

the bolt on inner end of shaft keeps axle retained as well. Any other reasons why not to use them on the outer bearings like they are on inner bearings?

Are you working on an Argo? I've never seen a Max axle turned down for the inner bearing like an Argo axle is. It is a good idea though IF the frame design allows decent access to the bolt without a complete tear down of the machine.
Other than that, the bearings should work fine.....Do you have a good source you would like to share?

Make sure the bearing house orders correct width and extended shoulder ( about 1/4" over standard) bearings. UC's are wider than SA's and will spin in the flanges.

So, the flanges/flangettes are different? I've been looking at converting to the 3 bolt ductile flanges (MaxII) and getting rid of the crappy stamped steel flangettes.
I haven't been able to find them without bearings though....Do I need to worry about them not fitting the replacement bearings (R3 ones) I buy?

[countrycummins99]

I turned the ends of my axles in the max to 1 1/8 and drilled the hole in the end so the would be retained with the bolt instead of relying on bearing collars (screwed over many times by eccentric collars) then I ditched the max outer bearings all together and went with synthetic bearings and Argo flanges

[thebuggyman1]

I ditched the max outer bearings all together and went with synthetic bearings and Argo flanges

There is a lot of talk on here about how the old Max axles and the inner bushings are inferior......I like bushings! The problem with the Max axle bushings is "no provision to grease them". Why condemn the bushings when it is the lack of grease that is the problem? The Adair synthetic bearings ARE bushings...just made from UHMW.
I wonder how UHMW bushings would last on the Max axles instead of the bronze bushings.....maybe I'll give it a try.

[countrycummins99]

loving them so far about 20 hours of really HARD riding on them and still very tight i do grease them after every ride to purge any contaminants

[ARGOJIM]

Jim I miswrote the bearing thing slightly, the sa bearing is a thinner version of the hc bearing mostly used in pillow block or the lighter 2 bolt cast mounted flanges, I can't recall the thinner version of the uc bearings. The problem being the width of the concave part of the bearing that sits in the flangettes.

As far as the inner bushings I put a grease fitting at the outer end of the axle in the 3 I owned 20 years ago and worked fine, relying on the single outer bearing collar is the main drawback to that design and mounting inner mounted bearings helps cure the problem.

[thebuggyman1]

I don't like depending on the eccentric collars....even if there is 2 per axle. I use these DSCIN 1-1/4 Original New Ametric(R) Inch Zincl Double Split Set Collar (Code 1-053 ): Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Thanks for the info Jim