Cutting off eccentric locking collar.

[Blacktail135]

I did some searching here and couldn't find exactly the answer I was looking for so here goes with my question. First what I have....I have a 1996 MaxIV w/the solid "pinned" axles and the track kit (extra bearings, bearing box, axle extensions etc.). Currently I'm looking to do a complete go through: pull frame/paint,(blast and paint EVERYTHING),do popular mod's, get onto the machine things that are in my head,replace,rebuild etc. Right now I'm trying to get the axles out. The 12 outer (or is it 18....I forgot to take note) locking collars' set screws will not budge. They have been soaking in Kroil (on machine port side) and PB blaster (on machine starboard side) for 5 weeks. The 6 inside set screws came out EASY but, the collars will not budge (either direction). The sprockets rotate on shafts EASY. I can't get my grinder in to get the bearing box collar and I don't want to use torch so close to the tub. I've disconnected everything on the outside. Can I or should I use a chisel to cut the inside collar and then pull everthing out while letting the sprocket fall to the floor of the tub and then cut off the rest of the collars on the bench with grinder or torch?

[RollTide334]

I pulled my axles 2 weeks ago. I have a 98 Max 4 in very bad condition, lots of rust. I soaked Allen screw in PB Blaster then found a tight fitting Allen wrench and hammered the wrenches to loosen the set screws. Only use high quality wrenches that fit well, I even had to hammer the wrench into the set screw. Got all the collars off. I still had trouble getting some of the axles out, it's a fight. I had to cut some of the bearings off with a Metabo, had to grind ridges off one axle. Two of my axles were damaged and are in a machine shop for repair. Good luck, it is not an easy job. I did not strip the wrench or Allen screws by hammering them, but continue at your own risk. Use proper safety equipment.

[msafi65]

The collars cut easily with a chisel, start in the hole for setting the collar and just start to split it. They usually loosen up before cracking. I do usually pull the cages and bearings with the axles. I then unbolt all the flanges to access the outer bearing races and break them with a hammer. just wrap a rag around the race and hit it hard. once they are broken the cages and flanges are removable just leaving the inner races and collars to cut with a grinder and cutoff wheel. just be carful not to cut into the axles. I use an air chisel to remove lock collars and its very fast. you can either turn them or split them in a mater of seconds. good luck on getting it running again.

[john swenson]

i had a locking collar i could'nt budge, so i was able to get my sawzall with a good metal cutting blade in there enough to cut thru the collar to the point it came right off. johnboy va.

[tbone9]

What worked well for me is to slide the axel out with outer bearings and cages together then heat up around the set screws and pound an Allen wrench in and break them loose.loosen lock collars. Then unbolt the flanges and cut two spacers to fit tight in the open ends of the bearing cages and put in a press and press it all off together. The spacers are to keep the cage from bending in the press. You may ruin a flange or two this way but they are cheap. I used a couple pieces of round stock for spacers but you can use whatever is laying around. Good luck.

[Blacktail135]

Thanks for the replies. So far I've cut loose (Dremel and chisel) the inner locking collar,removed the 4 bearing cage nut's and removed the sprocket bolt. I did tap the axle a bit while pulling but wouldn't budge much (I did see the tub flex a bit). Might be a seal between the tub and the bearing cage holding things up. If I can't get them out this way I'm definately not looking forward to cutting that locking collar inside the bearing cage. Look's like an old saying my granny used to say is gonna come in to play....."If you want something bad enough, just keep worrying and working at it". See was tough for a one-eyed mountain Tarheel.....miss her. Thank's again guy's, Patrick.

[Rusty-Gunn]

My best friend's ex-girlfriend's next door neighbor's adopted son did it easily once the moon got inline with saturn and venus when it was a full moon. It helped to howl and whistle dixie while hopping on one foot. Try this.

[PlumCrazy]

The collars are a pain.
Some I used the Dremel or a really worn cut-off wheel (small OD) in the hand grinder and cut through the corner of the collar, more on the top horizontal part of the collar if the used wheel is small enough.
Then with the long chisel and the 4lber, wham in the new cut, and it splits.
Good luck