2010 M8 Diamond Drive bearing replacement

[newtrout]

So, clearly we still have an issue with 2010 model diamond drive bearings. I pulled mine at 700 miles and it wasn't grenaded, but it was loose, rough and ready to go.

The standard 5203 double row bearing doesn't seem to be the direct drop in like it was for earlier models. The stock bearing/spacer combo in the 2010 diamond drive is ~15.9mm and the 5203 bearing is 17.5mm. Some guys are machining the driveshaft a hair on each end to make up for this. Some guys are slapping them in and running them with mixed results.

The 4203 bearing looks like a great solution. It is a 16mm double row. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find in the states. I have tracked down a couple sources overseas, but shipping is a killer. If I can find a few folks that are interested, I'll order a batch. I should be able to get them here for ~$30 each. All I would ask is shipping costs to you. At least 10 would be needed to make it worthwhile.

If someone has an alternative source for the 4203 bearings, please let us know! There is also a 2203 self-aligning bearing of the same dimensions that is more readily available. I don't believe that a self-aligning bearing has the same load bearing capacity, but I don't know for sure. Any info there would be helpful, as well.

PM me or email if interested.
newtrout@hotmail.com

 

[Coldfinger]

I'm interested in the 4203 option but I'm holding out till the end of the season when I'll pull my cover and check the condition of the stock bearing, and, to hear from anyone that can verify for sure the 4203 is a viable/solid option.

Also, I wonder if the 4203 would allow the cover to be installed w/o a gasket and just use permatex ultra blue sealant instead?

BTW - how much are the stock bearings because if a person is going to pull the cover each season to check, maybe the solution is to just replace the stocker with another stocker?

Thanks for the post.

 

[boosted1]

BDX bearings

So, clearly we still have an issue with 2010 model diamond drive bearings. I pulled mine at 700 miles and it wasn't grenaded, but it was loose, rough and ready to go.

The standard 5203 double row bearing doesn't seem to be the direct drop in like it was for earlier models. The stock bearing/spacer combo in the 2010 diamond drive is ~15.9mm and the 5203 bearing is 17.5mm. Some guys are machining the driveshaft a hair on each end to make up for this. Some guys are slapping them in and running them with mixed results.

The 4203 bearing looks like a great solution. It is a 16mm double row. Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to find in the states. I have tracked down a couple sources overseas, but shipping is a killer. If I can find a few folks that are interested, I'll order a batch. I should be able to get them here for ~$30 each. All I would ask is shipping costs to you. At least 10 would be needed to make it worthwhile.

If someone has an alternative source for the 4203 bearings, please let us know! There is also a 2203 self-aligning bearing of the same dimensions that is more readily available. I don't believe that a self-aligning bearing has the same load bearing capacity, but I don't know for sure. Any info there would be helpful, as well.

PM me or email if interested.
newtrout@hotmail.com

I purchased a set of BDX 2.1 ratio gears for my HCR, BDX pressed on the wider replacement bearing, I simply installed the new set of gears, give BDX a call, he has the replacements in stock

 

[aksnopro]

yeah

my 5203 is holding up so far, and didnt have any complaints from the dealer about installing it. they told me they have put several in 2010's with not one come back yet. however it is still pretty early to tell.
-Aksnopro

 

[newtrout]

I purchased a set of BDX 2.1 ratio gears for my HCR, BDX pressed on the wider replacement bearing, I simply installed the new set of gears, give BDX a call, he has the replacements in stock

BDX installs the 5203 bearing. You can get them at most bearing/industrial shops. That doesn't help those of us with stock 2010 gear sets. I'm sure the BDX gears are machined the same as the 2009 and prior which will accept the 5203 just fine (same bearing as 2005-2006 DD).

Yep, you can stick a 5203 in the 2010 case, I tried it and wasn't happy with the side load on the bearing. The whole point of this thread is to find out if anyone is interested in a bearing with the proper dimensions.

 

[Coldfinger]

From what I've read, the 5203 may or may not be just a drop in deal on the 2010 models. Each sled may be a little different and some may require machining some part of the shaft so the cover will go back on without any binding.

My understanding is the 4203 bearing is a tad narrower and theoretically, clearance woudn't be an issue.

 

[Shift_Fast]

I would be interested in a 4203 bearing or a couple for that matter if your still looking to save on some cost from shipping.

 

[newtrout]

I would be interested in a 4203 bearing or a couple for that matter if your still looking to save on some cost from shipping.

Thanks. I'll put you on the list. I think I have enough people to order a batch, so I'll get some coming.

 

[newtrout]

I've got a few rides now on the 4203-2rs bearing in the 2010 DD. I pulled it apart last night and all is well. It still feels tight. I pulled the outside seal and everything looks fine. The cover still snaps in place against the case, unlike the 5203 where I had to pull the cover into place with the cover bolts.

There are a few people still interested, so I have another order on the way. 5 aren't spoken for at the moment. Apparently the prices went up March 1, so they are going to be $35 to your door in the US, $36 in AK, and $40 in Canada, all shipped USPS. That includes about $0.50 in my pocket.

Some others have found them through consolidated bearing. Motionindustries.com is a distributor and it looks like you can get them for about $45 + shipping. Make sure you get the 4203-2rs (double rubber seal) if you order them direct.

Seems to be a good replacement for the 2010 M8 and Xfire.

 

[Flange]

You guys with 2010's, are you having luck re-using the DD gasket or are you replacing it, or maybe even using gasket maker instead?

 

[newtrout]

You guys with 2010's, are you having luck re-using the DD gasket or are you replacing it, or maybe even using gasket maker instead?

I was able to reuse mine OK. Just take it slow when you pull the cover the first time. If you use silicone, you're going to be changing the interior dimensions of the case, potentially compounding the issues we're trying to correct.

 

[hammo]

I just pulled my DD apart last night on my 2010 M8 (2300kms), found the bearing had fallen apart, one more ride would have been bad! I used a 5203 and am pretty confident it will be fine. We use these in all the 08's and 09's and as far as I can tell nothing has changed for 2010 (except the spacer between the gear and the bearing). When I installed the 5203 I checked all my clearences and made sure the cover fit with no resistance, looked perfect.

 

[newtrout]

I just pulled my DD apart last night on my 2010 M8 (2300kms), found the bearing had fallen apart, one more ride would have been bad! I used a 5203 and am pretty confident it will be fine. We use these in all the 08's and 09's and as far as I can tell nothing has changed for 2010 (except the spacer between the gear and the bearing). When I installed the 5203 I checked all my clearences and made sure the cover fit with no resistance, looked perfect.

It seems like so far lots of people have had no problems running the 5203 in their 2010. Some have.

Take a close look at the end of the transfer gear shaft with the stock bearing and spacer, then take a look with the 5203 pressed on. The 5203 will be flush with the end of the shaft. The stock bearing and spacer (and the 5203 on older shafts) will have about 1.5 mm of shaft sticking out beyond the bearing.

 

[hammo]

I have noticed that on the 2010 there is a 1.5 mm difference, but on the 08 and 09 the bearng fits flush with the end of the shaft. The difference on the 2010 is that the spacer is a bit thinner. So in theroy the 5203 on the 2010 fits exactly the same as it would on an 08 and 09. I put another 5203 on a 2010 today and had a really close look at all components and measurements, I am very confident that there will be no issues running this bearing in the 2010's. I guess time will tell.

The real question is: Why did Arctic Cat make the spacer 1.5 mm thinner but not put a double wide bearing on the end of the shaft instead?? Maybe next year!

 

[sledr900]

I have put the 5203 bearing on a 2009 and two bdx lightweight transfer gears and they all have fit flush with the end of the shaft. I haven't done anything to the 2010 yet as it only has 200 miles on it and most of my riding is close to home. I agree that if you are having issues with too much side pressure from the drive shaft that machining the transfer gear or using the 4203 bearing may help, but will that allow the ring gear to rub on the plate that holds the planetary gears?

 

[newtrout]

I have put the 5203 bearing on a 2009 and two bdx lightweight transfer gears and they all have fit flush with the end of the shaft. I haven't done anything to the 2010 yet as it only has 200 miles on it and most of my riding is close to home. I agree that if you are having issues with too much side pressure from the drive shaft that machining the transfer gear or using the 4203 bearing may help, but will that allow the ring gear to rub on the plate that holds the planetary gears?

Good info. Thanks guys.

At least for the 2010, the 4203 will leave you in the stock position, so you won't have any new clearance issues.

 

[CO 2.0]

Got my bearing yesterday, thanks newtrout!

Did a bearing replacement on an '09 HCR with 1200 miles and my '10 M8 162 with 200 miles. Both stock China 6203 bearings were in about the same shape. Not too bad but definitely not butter smooth anymore. The spacer in the '09 was indeed thicker than the spacer in the '10. The 5203 bearing fit flush on the '09, and the 4203 bearing fit flush on the '10.

 

[newtrout]

Got my bearing yesterday, thanks newtrout!

Did a bearing replacement on an '09 HCR with 1200 miles and my '10 M8 162 with 200 miles. Both stock China 6203 bearings were in about the same shape. Not too bad but definitely not butter smooth anymore. The spacer in the '09 was indeed thicker than the spacer in the '10. The 5203 bearing fit flush on the '09, and the 4203 bearing fit flush on the '10.

Both bearings should have pressed on about 1.5 mm past flush. I used a socket that matched the diameter of the inner bearing race to press it on completely. You removed the spacers, correct?

 

[killerrf]

i tried the 5203 on my '09 m1 and the case doesnt fit. noticeable gap there. so i put a new 6203 back on and the cover pretty much is flush to the case my just ever so slightly its not quite there. before i wouldnt have noticed this and just bolt it down and it does bolt down just fine. but maybe this is why my bearing is going out. on my 3rd 6203 in 700 miles. so i took the spacer and grinded it down another 0.025-0.030" or so and put it back together and the cover goes on tight with no gap and will stay there with no pressure. so maybe thats why my bearing is going out. side load right from bolting the case. i never REALLY checked that close the first time cause like i stated it does feel like the cover pretty much goes right on and no gap. but there is a "c" hair of gap there. put 150 miles on the sled with the last ride in BC. ill take apart sometime and if the bearing is still together... must have been my issue. clearance from factory.

 

[CO 2.0]

Both bearings should have pressed on about 1.5 mm past flush. I used a socket that matched the diameter of the inner bearing race to press it on completely. You removed the spacers, correct?

Sorry for the confusion, I meant "flush" as in the same as stock spacing. Removed spacers of course. Yes both bearings pressed on past the end.