let's talk bearings

[Tennesseemudbug]

I have a MAX IV and I don't want to pay to much for bearings (inner) and (outer). I hhave been just looking online and found several affordable prices for 1 1/4 bearings. My issue is I'm not sure which bearings to trust and which ones to stear clear of. So my question is what experiences have you had and what is your opinion and suggestions.

[thebuggyman1]

Think of production costs... Bearings run from about $8 to hundreds of dollars each. Assume a moderate price of around $30 each for factory supplied ones. To go up in price from there the bearings are typically made to tighter tolerances making them cost more....really not necessary for our machines. Going down in price, they are often made from a more brittle steel and I've had a few failures. Either the lock ring breaks the eccentric portion off, or it catastrophically fails. That said, I have been buying from Buffalo Bearing, approx $13 each for the 62mm, and $18 each for 72mm. I also like to order a spare or two to have on hand just in case. Don't get me wrong here, all bearings can and will fail. It just becomes a matter of what you are comfortable with.....are bearings priced twice as much worth a 10% less chance of failure? (prices and failure rates are for emphasis only)

[Tennesseemudbug]

Thanks buggyman . Is the sizes you posted the correct size of the bearings in my max IV

[racerone3]

I largely agree with Buggyman. I started out buying the best bearings I could afford, but after having several failures I went cheap and the failure rate was about the same. I have settled in on whatever middle of the road bearing they sell me from Buffalo Bearing. Our machines produce some of the worst possible conditions for a bearing.

[Tennesseemudbug]

So can you please give me a product numbers from buffalo bearing that will work with my max IV

[thebuggyman1]

Older MaxIV's used all 62mm bearings, and newer ones use 72mm for the outers.
Part#'s are 206-20 R3 for 62mm and 207-20 R3 for 72mm.
The 206/207 is the bearing O.D. (62/72mm)
The 20 is the I.D. (1 1/4")
The R3 is the triple seal.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Please clarify... Older vs newer is 2000/2001 years? Also, mine being a 2005, it would use 62 inners and 72 outers? Thanks.

[thebuggyman1]

That's a good question Rusty....R.I. made several changes from about 1997-2001. Solid axles, splined axles, stronger frames, rectangular headlights, O-ring chain, bearings, wheels, etc. Different models got different changes in different years. I think it is safe to say that pre 1997 is older, and post 2001 is newer.

[liflod]

Talking with Dan from RI a few years ago, he mentioned the bearings they use have more grease put into them from the factory than normal off the shelf bearings. The grease fittings and the stamped steel flanges don't really put any grease into the bearing itself.
That being said, I use a needle point grease gun and pre-lube the bearings before I use them. I use a marine synthetic grease that I highly doubt will ever come out of the bearing. I buy bearings from Shopping.

[thebuggyman1]

I use a grease needle also, but you have to be careful as the pressure can blow out the seals. I've had that happen and had to press the seals back into place.....carefully!

[tbone9]

All great information. Thanks guys. I work with industrial bearings daily some up to 3 feet in diameter. Ideally a greased bearing should only be packed one third full to allow for heat dissipation however our application is very low speed and subject to lot of water and dirt packing it full is by far the best to keep out as much water as possible. It seems to help to put a small bead of silicone on the axel by the inner race before putting the lock collar on to keep water from seeping between inner race and axel.

[riotwarrior]

Honestly ...I'm all about a good bearing, always have been and will be.

However that being said, I'm having a real tough time locating the CORRECT double seal Timken bearings I have in the Muscateer. Single seal easy...but double seal...WOW...

I'll post pics later to show what I mean and the differences....suffice it to say, if I can get double seal I don't think I'll have issues with water/mud etc and my axles...

Pics to come, and bearing #'s. My selection in Canada is not the best, BC Bearings said NONE in Canada!

JM2CW

[Tennesseemudbug]

I just purchased the bearings from buffalo bearing at almost 1/4 the price as I would have paid for the exact same thing as RI offers. AMAZING! I really appreciate the help and insight that everyone has put together for me. I am getting ready for busco beach and I look forward to seeing you all there. Btw just a plug ... check out my shirt video of Brimstone winterfest 2014

[green]

So, just for clarity.... My Max IV being 1992 ALL (inner & outer) bearings would be: Part#'s are 206-20 R3 for 62mm ?

[thebuggyman1]

So, just for clarity.... My Max IV being 1992 ALL (inner & outer) bearings would be: Part#'s are 206-20 R3 for 62mm ?

For clarity: I can not tell you that your bearings ARE 62mm. I can only say that a 1992 should have 62mm #206-20 R3
If yours have been changed already, it is possible that someone upgraded to the larger 72mm.