Max IV axles. Good or not?

[rickemd1]

I've seen a lot of talk on here about axles and bearings etc. Today I was able to remove by force 2 of the axles on my IV. I don't think the axles have ever been removed since I had to cut the locking collar on one axle and cut and destroy the inner bearing on another axle to remove them.

Before removing the axles I did an eye ball check and all 6 axles appear to be true. What other criteria should I be looking at to determine whether I should keep the axles or replace them? Oh and yes it seems that all the outer bearings will need to be forcefully removed due to corrosion. $$$$

[Dozerlarry]

Mike, ain't this site grand? Wish I could help you here but I've never pulled any. I would think checking them for trueness, corrosion and cracks and whether the bolt holes are elongated would about cover the bases though.

[Tennesseemudbug]

Hi rickemd1, if you are running on the original axles and the rear double sprockets are two individual peices instead of one complete sprocket assembly I would strongly suggest that you replace the axles and the sprockets to the more recently designed replacement parts. change the inner and outer bearings and change ALL THE HARDWARE this will give you a much stronger system . If you want to get a good deal on the parts private message me with your contact information and I will hook you up with someone who will give you a good deal and will have good phone support for your questions during your project.

[amphibious drew]

Do you have pinned or splined axles. The pinned ones you should check for wallowed holes. The splined ones there is not much to really check besides being straight and making sure some townie didn't drill holes in them. Bearings are usually a pain to change and I have cut many off myself. I don't even fight with them anymore. The first sign of resistance and out comes the cutoff wheel. If you have an axle in question, I would just get a spare axle and set of bearings to have on hand should anything happen. Unless you run in very remote areas, I would run it until it breaks or shows clear signs it will fail soon.

[rickemd1]

I checked all the obvious stuff and so far everything looks good. Since the axles are solid any cracks would be fairly apparent after a good cleaning. So far so good getting my questions answered. Now it's just a matter of time and money to get all the parts together.

[djgeiman]

I just did my inner and outer bearings, chains, tension sprockets, I had to cut off 6 of 12 bearings I should have replaced at least the 2 center axles because I kept hearing a clunk and did not know what it was so I jacked it up and found alot of play upon further inspection I discovered that the holes for the sprockets were egged so now I need to go back and replace them so if you have a doubt replace them
I am new to these machines I just got mine (99 Max IV) in December and the first thing I did was get on this site there is alot of good free help and encouragement here
HAVE FUN!!! Dave,

[millerperf]

I just upgraded my max iv with new axles and sprockets, give whipper a call ,you will be happy you did good luck!

[rickemd1]

@millerperf......Ok I give up. Who is whipper?

I have the Max totally disassembled with the frame ready for blasting. So far about the only drivetrain components that don't need replacing are the solid axles. All the bearings are toast, locking collars toast, sprockets...of course toast, and no need to mention the chains. I need to look a little closer at the axles but based on the fact that several of the bolts that hold the sprockets in place on the axles were loose on disassembly I'd bet that the holes are elongated. I know RR sells repair kits for elongated holes, not sure if that's the way to go or not. Since everything else is going to be new I might just need to eat the cost and go with new axles as well. So much work, so little time.

So what's the best source for axles I ask? And should I upgrade to the splined axles and associated parts if I'm going to invest in new axles?

[Mike]

Whipper is a member here on the site: Whipper-Ag I have used him for many of the axles in my machines.

If you decide to replace the axles, definitely go with splined axles. Then you won't have to worry about holes elongating again.

[rickemd1]

Cool Mike thanks for the name and the advice. I've seen the name a few times but never saw the username. Guess I need to read more posts. Gracias