Max IV Bearings turning in Races/Flanges

[fulleraviation]

After Mikes article, I decided to investigate the water leaking into my Max IV which has 60 hours on it since new in Oct 07.

I put it in the water and sure enough I could see water dripping in at each axle.

After removing the wheels I turned the axles just to look. I noticed that my bearings were spinning in the flanges/races on four of my axles. Shaking the axles up and down revealed movement of the whole bearing in the flange.

When I removed the locking ring and unbolted the outer flange, I was able to pull the bearing out onto the axle. I could see that the bearings and the flanges now have some wear from the spinning. Also had evidence of water gaining access arround the outside of the bearing.

On reassembly I coated the inside flange with ultra grey gasket maker or "Honda Bond". This is where the bearing seals on the inner flange. Put everything back together and it seems the to on less water. At mid-ride yesterday it did not look like the bearings were spinning in the flanges.

Any comments and or suggestions you guys have would be great. For newer Max owners make sure that this is not happening to you.

Locking ring question for the splined axle Max IV. It seemed to me that I could lock the bearing tighter to the inner flange by tapping on the locking ring/collar prior to locking it with the set screw. Without setting the bearing tight against the inner flange, I was still getting the bearing spinning in the flange.

Thanks,
Rutledge Fuller

[micmac]

Rut,

Are you tapping the Locking collar to spin were it locks the axle? You want to make sure that the colar is all the way locked or it can spin. I know they make a spanner wrench that can be used for this.

Unfortunately this is a weakness in the system. I was told by a bearing distributor that the eccentric lock collar bearings are designed to be used in a one directional system I.E. conveyor belts or farm equipment. Reversing direction can loosen the collars over time so you want to keep an eye on them.

This is what frustrates me about RI. They have a really nice overall product and with a few simple changes to their design they could easily improve the things that owners have the most gripes with (this and the T-20 under the engine)

Sorry for the rant I keep hoping the powers at RI read this stuff and make some changes.

[liflod]

I've had loose flangettes that allowed the bearing to move inside them. Throw them a way and buy new ones. I'm not sure if its just bouncing around that makes them loose. I know bent axles will cause them to wobble in the flangettes and then wear them down.

If they used cast iron flanges, you would never see that problem.

[fulleraviation]

Temp FIX

Hey Guys,

The only way I could get the bearings to stop turning was to stake the outter flanges. I hit them with a chisel and also beat them with a ball peen hammer. Ag-repair! I pulled up and down on the axle till I could get no bearing movement in the flanges. This was my last resort.

After all my hard riding this weekend, I cleaned the machine and removed the wheels for a check.

They are holding great! And I have much less water entering the tub. Almost none. Not sure how long they will last. I got 13 hours out of them so far.

BTW: Rec Ind is sending me new parts at no cost!

Happy Trails,
Rut