How do I get the frame out?

[Freedom6X6]

Hi everyone, I recently bought this Max IV and want to clean out all of the caked on oil and grease. I have managed to remove what I could to this point. What is my next step to removing the frame to get to the bottom of the machine.
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[amphibious drew]

Remove engine, t20, then axles and sprockets. make sure you take your outer bearing flanges and bolts out the just remove the frame. I'm assuming you are working with the lower tub only and removed the top section already.

[Freedom6X6]

Thank you! So basically remove the 6 hex and 6 bolts next to the hex screws then pull out axels and lift out frame?

I also see additional 4 bolts on the frame at each wheel.

Do I have to remove this hex screw if I want to remove the frame? If so how do I get it lose? I have already twisted a hex wrench all the way around. I have to clue how to get it off.

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[Dan67]

Admin Mike posted a great video on "How to replace axle bearings on a Max". Go to the Home of this site and scroll over on the video section until you see it. It is an excellent source of information and helped me in my Hustler 950 tear down and rebuild. To get the frame out you will need to remove all 6 axles/bearings. While you are at it, it is the perfect time to closely inspect and replace any bad bearings.

Max II 6x6 ATV Axle and Bearing Replacement - YouTube

Good luck with your project.
Dan

[Freedom6X6]

Thank you! That answered my question!

[team222badbrad]

Thank you! That answered my question!

I wish you luck! I had to drill the setscrews out of my sprockets to get the axles off. I also had to cut the bearings off. Everything gets rusted together and makes it impossible to take apart. I recommened picking up some antiseize for when you put it back together. I bought some marine grade stuff from mcmastercarr

[Freedom6X6]

Am I doint it right?

I wish you luck! I had to drill the setscrews out of my sprockets to get the axles off. I also had to cut the bearings off. Everything gets rusted together and makes it impossible to take apart. I recommend picking up some antiseize for when you put it back together. I bought some marine grade stuff from mcmastercarr

Thank god you replied....I was beginning to think I was out of my mind after viewing that video and seeing how easy it was. How did you cut your bearings off? I only have done one axle so far: see picture. I smashed the bearing with a sledgehammer, but the other one is still on and I don't have room for a hammer. This is my first ever aatv...is this normal? or am I doing something wrong? even with the one bearing off I still can not pull it out because the sprocket wont slide off....how do I get that piece off?????? o-boy

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[amphibious drew]

Soak the stuff in penatrating fluid. I have used acetone even. You may have to cut the inner and outer race of the bearing with a dremmel tool or cutoff wheel. If you can get one bearing off and get the axle out, you can press the other bearing off with a shop press. The bearings are snugg on the axles and any rust on the axle can make it a pain to remove them.

[Freedom6X6]

Ok, so I will keep working on it. This isn't easy.

[Dan67]

I went to my local Harbor Freight and bought the 20-ton shop press, it is a huge help. Once you get the axle off the inner bearing you can easily push the outer bearings and flange and locking collars off. I figure I'll replace bearings often enough that it will pay for itself in a few uses.

20 Ton Shop Press

I had 1 axle on my hustler that would just not come out for nothing. I was able to get the other five out. I tried using a Gear puller from the inner rail pushing the axle out of the inner bearing. And soaking it in PBlaster helps too.

14 Piece Gear Puller Set

[team222badbrad]

I once put a bottle jack in the middle of the frame and tried pressing the axle out. Even that didn't work. Of course I didn't crank the pressure up too high though. Didn't want the welds to break.

The easiest way to cut the bearings off I found is with a dremel. Don't buy the cheap cutoff wheels. Get the ones with the "EZ LOCK" spindle.

I also found that you can pound the outer-race of the bearing and it will shatter. You may need to help it a bit though with the dremel first. Just be careful though because I literally chipped the paint off my car when one of the bits went flying through the air and let me tell you it went probably 30+ft to my car away!

If the driveline is good you may just be better off pressure washing the whole tub.

However, it may be worth your efforts to continue as well.

[team222badbrad]

You will need to cut the inner race of the bearing off to get the sprocket off.

It's not a big deal if you cut a little into the axle. Once you cut one side almost to the axle I get a big screwdriver and pound the split to open it up and then it slides off easy.

[Freedom6X6]

Thank you! It's filthy so I relay want to scrub it clean.

[Freedom6X6]

Sadly that's what I was afraid of. I will keep you guys posted on my progress! By the way....How much is this going to cost me to replace all the bearings?

[team222badbrad]

Sadly that's what I was afraid of. I will keep you guys posted on my progress! By the way....How much is this going to cost me to replace all the bearings?

Last quote from the factory which I got a month or so ago was $45 a pop x 12...

I just bought some from BearingsOn.com: Pillow Blocks, 2-Bolt, 3-Bolt, 4-Bolt Flanges, Radial Ball Bearings, Insert Bearings

OUTER HC207-20 1-1/4 Insert Bearing Large OD HC207-20 1-1/4" Insert Bearing Large OD

INNER 1 1/16" Insert Bearings UC206-17 1 1/16" Insert Bearings UC206-17

They are a perfect fit, but I don't know if they are sealed as well as stock bearings.
You also need to pull the pins off the outerrace with pliers.

What year is your machine?