Grinding Sound

[Eldon]

I have a perplexing problem with my Max II.Running tracks on quite hard snow,very crusty,though I have frozen trails that it doesn't break through.It makes a consistent crunching sound that I can feel in the sticks.It comes from the front left,though there are no chains on that wheel.I haven't yet pulled the floorboard and maybe drive it a bit with the floor out.The sound has a tempo to it I suspect making this crunching sound on every revolution.I don't think it is bearing as they checked fine before installing the tracks and it would only have about ten hours on it since then.Question: You folks out there who have suffered total bearing failure..what sound does it make?I realize the tracks change the load pressure on the bearing,I am running about 3 psi in the tires.
I keep it in a heated garage and it seems to be OK when first taking it out,maybe its ice, but it is consistent on the left side.

[patrick518]

same noise

I have a max IV with tracks and have the same noise. At first I it sounded like tracks were rubbing on the body but can't find any evidence of that. my noise is the left side also.

[Mike]

I think I would remove the floorboard like you mentioned and just ride around a bit (carefully of course ) to see if you can see anything. Also take some spray lubricant with you and when it starts making the noise spray the front left bearing and see if the noise gets better.

[Eldon]

I appreciate the advice."carefully" Mike.I don't have the front chains but the sprockets would be quite an experience.I have driven it without the floor,its OK but I wouldn't do it while doing any kind of distracting driving.I'll try the spray Mike but it is such a crunch I would think the bearing would have given more notice before getting to that stage,but hard to say.Do you have your front chains off patrick518?..........I tend to think its something going on with the tracks.

[patrick518]

front and center chains are off

[Eldon]

I believe I have found the cause on mine.I checked the tire pressure and found the front one on the left side to be low(about 1 1/2 -2 psi.I increased to 3.5 psi.Problem seems to be gone.My front wheels are just "idlers" as my front chains are off.I think at some points of the track revolution there are times that the track is very tight on the front wheel.With the pressure down that tightness I think was squashing the tire down distorting the diameter which was causing the noise.

[Mike]

It's always good when you don't have to spend a lot of time or money fixing a problem.

[Eldon]

You know Mike of all the equipment I have the Max has been by far the most inexpensive to run per hour of usageTo own one we have to be our own mechanics usually and I attribute my ability to troubleshoot and fix to the forum,it's great. Nice upgrade too Mike.