Diamond shifter lube

[Rusty-Gunn]

Hi. My wife and I are fixing our M-IV today. I noticed both diamond shifters were stuck. We got them out easy enough. It did the same last year, after sitting all winter in storage.
I used ATF fluid as lube last year, and the shifter 'froze'.
Well, can I use marine grease to lube the diamond shifters?
I ask because its not wise to mix oil with the trans fluid, and grease is made from oil. Oil ruins the brake band liners.
What do you all use to lube the shifters? Thanks.

[Mike]

After every long ride when I spray the machine down with water, I usually spray WD-40 everywhere including in the diamond shifter barrels. I don't know if that's the right thing to do but it's what I've been doing for years without any problem.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Thanks, Mike. I'm thinking a small bit of grease won't hurt. Besides, its up in the diamond shifter (barrel, you call it).

In any case, we got the rear righthand side axle removed. We're changing out the sprocket tube, and bearings. The tube is worn out and freewheels on this axle.
We expect to remove the left rear axle tomorrow and replace bearings and sprocket tube as well.
It wasn't very differcult, just took a bit longer than I thought. A steel splinter in the thumb was a bit annoying, but tweezers took care of that.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I got the inner bearing and c-clips off the axle, but the outer bearing is stuck.
I cleaned out two small holes on a thick outer ring. I removed one set screw. The smaller hole looks like a deep dimple (?). I don't see a set screw.
I assume this is the hole to rotate this thick ring with a punch, as seen in Mike's video.
Silly thing, I don't own a punch, nor a hammer (it got lost many years ago).
Is this hole the punch hole?
We are making very good progress for our first time doing this on a Max.

[tbone9]

That's exactly what it is. Sounds like you are on the right track. Try loosening it in the same direction as if the axel were traveling forward. Then when going back together tighten it in the opposite direction.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Thank you Tbone9. I'm on the right track. I'm goinf to soak it qith Liquid Wrench a bit first, then tap on it.

[Rusty-Gunn]

The lock collar ring is stuck, it won't rotate in either direction. I used Liquid Wrench penetrating oil. Tapped on it a bit. Then a lot. And then a lot harder. It won't move. It hates me.
I squirt more Liq. Wtench on it. I'm gping to let it soak all night.

[tbone9]

That's pretty typical. Just pull the axel out with the outer bearing on then you can fight it out where you can get at it. Best way I've found is put it in a press. Some guys will split it with a good chisel. Good luck.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I got the axle out of the Max easy enough. I will give it another punch effort tomorrow. I'm hoping I won't destroy the lock ring, since I don't have a new one on hand.
Thanks for the advice.

[tbone9]

The new bearings should come with new collars?

[Rusty-Gunn]

The new bearings should come with new collars?

Yes. I took a look at the bearings not two minutes ago and the outer ones have the collars. I was going to report what I discovered. I never knew they came with collars. Then I seen your post.
It looks to me these bearings ought to just slide off. I was under the impression the collars locked the bearing to the axle via choking effort (squeezing). As if it had a camming effect to choke the axle. Which is why its rotated off. (to uncam itself) These new bearings seem they just fasten up to another, with the collar locking itself to the axle via set screw.
Is this correct? I have a lot to learn, but I am learning.

[tbone9]

You are under the right impression. They do "cam lock" to the axel. Look closely at the new bearings and you will see that the collar on the bearing itself is slightly out of round. Kinda egg shaped. This creats the locking action. I forgot to mention you can also cut the old collar off with a grinder too.

[Rusty-Gunn]

Thank you Tbone9... I hate being confused. You clarified this for me.
If the collar won't rotate I will cut it off with my angle grinder.
I'll have a closer look at the bearings to see this cam. Thanks.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I finally got the bearing and collar off. I ended up cutting the collar with a hacksaw, then used a cold chisel to break apart. A hammer was used to break the bearing off (I was pounding it off the axle) leaving the inside race stuck.
I then used an angle grinder to cut the inner race off. I don't have a cut-off wheel, so I ground two quarter inch grooves in the race, then smacked it with a hammer.

I'll clean up the axle and put all back on the Max.
After all this I think I should have gone to the grinder earlier. Got it off though.

[Rusty-Gunn]

I took a look at the new inner bearings... I got the wrong size inners sent to me.
Mine sre the smaller bore, with set screws.

The new ones are large, with eccentric collars.

As it turns out the used inner is in very good shape, so I'll re-use it for now, and send the other ones back to Buffalo Bearing to trade them for the small bore versions.