Mechanical reverse problems

[moderatebill]

So I am in the process of repairing my second diamond drive with the mechanical reverse and hope to pass along some of the things I have learned.

First, I spoke with black diamond they even admit there is a weak point in these drives. They are working on a solution, so there is hope.

The problem seems to be in the planet gear and the brass/copper shims on both sides of each gear. The side load must wear them out over time and then things start to come apart.

From now on I am going to change my oil two or three times a year. Not that I think changing the oil will help, but to identify a problem before it becomes major. I also plan to pull the drive every off season and do a full inspection.

I almost didn’t notice the brass this time when changing the oil because it was stuck in the gear case.

First pull the cover off the drive and separate the gears to get to the planet assembly. Use a gear puller to get the bearing off the shaft of the plant assembly. Carefully take the assembly apart keeping track of every part. In my case only the planet was damaged and was able to order just that part from Black Diamond. Cat only sells the whole assembly for $300.

 

[89sandman]

i change my fluid every ride maybe 2 at the most. can't hurt to keep it clean and like you said might save you a tow back to the truck. thought the 09 drive was gonna fix all this but they are having bearing failures...

 

[Engine Pro 5x]

How many miles are you guys riding between changes and what oil are you using ?? Just curious ?? >>>>.

 

[moderatebill]

I am using Cat oil, but may switch to something in bulk since it will be changed so often. I am going to try and find a light weight syn gear lube.

 

[Engine Pro 5x]

That's exactly my point. I changed all of my older sleds with the chain-case system to a lightweight synthetic. What I'm afraid of is the pour point of the lube when it's cold like as in -0. So I guess it's time to put the bottles of lube in the deep freeze and see what still pours out of the jug !!! >>>>.

 

[Unknown]

89sandman

How many miles on your mechanical reverse? I have heard that frequent changes negates failure?

 

[moderatebill]

I don't think dirty oil is the problem, just bad design on drive. I know people with M7 that change their oil once a year and never had a problem. Sure wish cat would go back to the original DD.

 

[AKboondocker]

I change mine once per season, 2200 miles, zero problems...maybe I just use reverse alot less, or maybe Im lucky who knows...

 

[black swan]

08 m1000 started sticking. Hated the mechanical actuator, so ditched the entire DD went with DDlite, no reverse, stronger gears. Rotating mass loss equals more power, rite?

 

[89sandman]

i had 4,000 miles on my 07 M8 when the planetary blew...

 

[kraftymike]

Ditched the entire DD went with DDlite, no reverse, stronger gears. Rotating mass loss equals more power, rite?

Same here. I never used reverse just for the fear of the thing sticking and I still lost my planetary gear. When they go out you generally end up with a locked track and have to deal with getting that out of the back country!