sprocket play

[sparrotte]

My rear sprocket became loose and now has significant play between the axle and sprocket. What is the most likely cause worn splines on axle,sprocket,or both. I have tapped the sprocket and replaced the Allen screw with a bolt and added split shaft collars.

[sparrotte]

Forgot to mention its on a Max iv 2004

[amphibious drew]

It could be either or both that is worn. The only way to tell is to take it apart and have a look.

[sparrotte]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping one metal was softer than the other so I wouldn't,t have to purchase both. The set screw is holding for now with the shaft collars. When it loosens again I will pull it apart .

[ARGOJIM]

You could try sliding sprocket over on an unused part of the spline, if it tightens then axle worn if not sprocket or both. with it slid over measure the spline width where it rides and don't.

[sparrotte]

I figured this was a common problem on set screw type axles that someone has dealt with. The next time it loosens I will pull the engine and replace with a new snap ring style axle and sprocket .

[Model Citizen]

[john swenson]

i've had loose sprockets on the axle shaft and also used a split collar. i put it next to the sprocket then welded only one half of the collar to the sprocket. worked great and you can still remove the sprocket when needed. if it's really loose and you have room , put a collar on each side of the sprocket with the same weld technique. good luck. johnboy va.

[rcn11thacr]

Thanks for the reply. I was hoping one metal was softer than the other so I wouldn't,t have to purchase both. The set screw is holding for now with the shaft collars. When it loosens again I will pull it apart .

This happened on my 07 max iv. Both rear axles are in fine shape with no issues, but the inside of each of the sprockets are sloppy. The material "is" different and the sprockets are made out of softer material. The fix: buy new sprockets

I have not yet bought new ones since my chains are nearing the end of their usefullness and i plan to change them all at the same time. i am seriously considering buying new sprockets then sending them to be hardened and shot peened for greater strength and wear

[sparrotte]

Rcn11thacr, do you have set screw or snap ring axles. Just wondering if sprocket wear will still be a problem if I changed to snap ring style axles.

[msafi65]

The major change from the setscrew sprockets to snapring type is a grease zerk and an inside groove to distribute the grease. I find properly greased rear sprockets show very minimal wear on the splines. Setscrew type do get loose,sprockets usually wear more than the axle.

[rcn11thacr]

The major change from the setscrew sprockets to snapring type is a grease zerk and an inside groove to distribute the grease. I find properly greased rear sprockets show very minimal wear on the splines. Setscrew type do get loose,sprockets usually wear more than the axle.

I have snap ring axles. Funny thing is when i bought the max it had snap rings "and" set screws installed...and as far as i know thats not how its supposed to be done. At least the max "how to install" axles and sprockets dont show both. My sprockets do have the grease zerks and the grove (which was filled with so much trash there was no way the grease was going around the axle). Although again no wear on the axles, just the sprockets.