axle and bearing replacement video question.

[jakeesspoo]

Just watched mikes video again on the bearing and flange replacement... watched it last night as well, just trying to learn everything I can on these machines so I know what to order for parts that may need replaced. My question is where is the best place to get the bearings and flanges for the Max II? Do they come in sets? Are their "generic" bearings that can be used from McMaster or Grainger? Or are they specific to this machine, Im sure the flanges are...

[jpswift1]

Your best place to get bearings (or sprockets, flanges, bushings, belts, chain, etc) is from Buffalo Bearing. There are many members on 6x6World that deal with them, including myself. I'm actually going up there tomorrow to get my bearings and flanges for my Super Swamp Fox that I'm building. They are some of the best people I've ever dealt with and they take good care of you, especially when you mention that you're part of 6x6World. You can reach them at 1 (800) 669-8019 or (716) 874-1720.

[thebuggyman1]

Max used 2 different bearings on your machine. I think you will still have the "old style" 62mm outside diameter, the newwer bearings are 72mm outside. Jay at R.I. recomends using the new ones to replace the old. To do this the 3 bolt flange will need to be rotated and new bolt holes drilled. Use a little extra rope caulk between the flange and tub just to make sure it doesn't leak.

[hydromike]

I'm actually going up there tomorrow to get my bearings and flanges for my Super Swamp Fox that I'm building.

I picked up my sprockets for my 'Fox at Buffalo Bearings, too. Talking with Greg, they're trying to consolidate all of their vendor catalogs into an "online" database, but it won't actually be searchable (yet) by customers. If you've ever spent time at the front counter, you'll realize why this is a big deal. BB is old school; lots of big catalogs, and very little on the computer. Still, their customer service is what sets them apart from a lot of other suppliers. A lot of our applications need innovative solutions, and Greg Sr. enjoys bringing handfuls of solutions out from the back room.

The flanges and bearings aren't necessarily "specific" to any single application. The 52mm bearing and flange (for example) in the Max II is the same as the secondary drive belt conveyor feed on a 1975 New Holland corn binder. (I made that up.... ) This is one of the issues that often makes folks shy away from older AATVs.

"Do they still make parts for those things?"

Nope, but if you can find a '75 New Holland 'binder, you're in good shape.

Of course, McMaster and Grainger have a lot of the same parts, but there's a lot of satisfaction in giving the little guy the business.

[jakeesspoo]

going to order my new bearings and flanges tomorrow from buffalo bearings. I pulled out one axle, my Max II has no inner bearings, Im assuming only the solid axles have them. I had to cut almost all the way through the bearing with my angle grinder to get it off as I don't have a press in the barn but I got it off but I forgot to measure it before I boogered it all up. I measured the inside of the flanges though and they are right around 72mm so I'm assuming that is the size I need. Now I just need to find some 3M rope caulk. Do the big box stores carry it or should I find it online?

[thebuggyman1]

Pretty much any hardware store will have rope caulk....careful though, it's expensive, I bet you'll have to give $1.99 for the roll. lol

Your axles have a bronze bushing on the inside end....check how loose they are, they probably need replacing too.

What year is your max? I bet you have the 62mm bearings. A call to Recreatives with your serial # will confirm it. They do take different flanges so if you buy the flange set you are covered.