New Guy Need HElp!

[locosmith]

I just got a 98 Max IV and I have a few questions and Problems. The chain Tightner i THINK, Its on the right side of the gear box the small idler or tightner. do These have bearings or do you just replace the hole gear? Thanks Loco

[Mike]

They do have bearings but they are not replaceable; just order a new sprocket/bearing combo. You can get them direct from the factory. Amphibious Six-Wheel Drive All-Terrain Vehicles: MaxATVs - Call 1-800-255-2511

Edit: Actually I guess you could replace the bearing if you had to by grinding down the rivets or welds depending on how your sprocket's two sides are held together. Then replace the bearing and weld or rivet the sprocket back together. I tried this with my Max IV but for some reason once I had the sprocket's two halves apart I changed my mind. I can't remember why, sorry, but I just ordered new units and put them in.

[locosmith]

Thanks for the quick Reply. Loco

[Rolling_X_6]

I just got a 98 Max IV and I have a few questions and Problems. The chain Tightner i THINK, Its on the right side of the gear box the small idler or tightner. do These have bearings or do you just replace the hole gear? Thanks Loco

Hello, locosmith. Welcome to this great website/forum. I just did some of this work, myself. That is the only reason that I know enough to chime in here.

All of the idler sprockets are the same size, or at least they are in my 2000 Max IV. So whether they are the ones that tighten the chains on either side of the T-20 transmission (what you referred to as the "gear box") or whether they are the idler sprockets that tighten any of the other chains on your machine, they are all the same part. Just FYI.

You can EITHER replace the sealed bearings, OR you can just get a whole new idler sprocket, which come with new bearings, of course.

You can go straight to the factory that makes Max IV's. It is called Recreatives Industries; they are GREAT people. They are out of Buffalo, NY. From them, one of these new idler sprockets cost around $30.00--plus shipping.

I decided to just change the bearings, as the teeth of my sprocket were still good. But, that cost around $18.00, which is about half the price of going new. PLUS . . . I do NOT think I got the best possible price on that new aftermarket bearing. I think it could be bought a lot cheaper if you were to look around.

That decision is up to you. I hope this info helps you out.

If you have any questions, do NOT hesitate to ask the great people on this site. They are eager to help. I am fairly new to all of this stuff, myself. As a result, I ask questions here all of the time, and everyone is wonderful about helping.

Best Wishes!!!

[Rolling_X_6]

Actually I guess you could replace the bearing if you had to by grinding down the rivets or welds depending on how your sprocket's two sides are held together. Then replace the bearing and weld or rivet the sprocket back together.

If it did not fall within my limited experience with my own 2000 Max IV, I know nothing about it. But, my Max does not have those "split" sprockets. They are solid sprockets, and they did not require any grinding and/or welding to replace the bearings. All I had to do is tap out the old bearing and tap in the new one. It was truly THAT simple.

So, if I gave you false info, locosmith. I am sorry. Listen to Mike . . . he knows a whole lot more than I do.

[locosmith]

Thanks for the Help I'll just order a couple. I need a manual, they have those too right? Thanks

[Mike]

Listen to Mike . . . he knows a whole lot more than I do.

Really this is not true, I am like you and only know what I've personally worked on which is very limited. My max was much older and had split sprockets. The new ones that I ordered were like yours with a solid sprocket. It takes several people sometimes to answer a question. That's what makes a forum environment work

Just because I'm an admin of the site doesn't mean I know anything, really.

[Hogneck]

Really this is not true, I am like you and only know what I've personally worked on which is very limited. My max was much older and had split sprockets. The new ones that I ordered were like yours with a solid sprocket. It takes several people sometimes to answer a question. That's what makes a forum environment work

Just because I'm an admin of the site doesn't mean I know anything, really.

Thank to all on this thread. I had questions that were answered about these sprockets and bearings on my Max IV . Best part, I never even had to ask the questions!! I am hoping the local tractor supply will have these bearings .

[1yy07]

go to a berring store!take yours with you thet will have BETTER ones/ hevey dutty ones.