Replacing drive bearings.

[fishtank]

Ive heard alot of comments about changing the drive bearings on the 1M's and how it should be done every 1-2 years.

Just wondering if that is neccessary or not. We recently pulled apart the chaincase to replace the chain. We checked the drive shaft for any play in the joint and there was none. We checked both sides. Is this something that can be detected by simply shaking the shaft to see if there is any play in the joints?

I am wondering if the chain went due to the bearings going bad, thats all.

 

[ironxcross]

Mine has over 2k miles on the original bearings. Just had it in the shop and while it was there I had them check on the bearings and they said they looked great. So they aren't guaranteed to be lemons.

 

[fishtank]

Hmm, ok good to know. Unforuntately I dont have a speedometer to break down either to act as a warning sign. 8)

 

[Rixster]

The 900's are hell on chains !!. If you keep your clutch side bearing greased You shouldn't have any problems. I grease mine every 3 rides. Keep a grease gun in the trailer.

 

[Arctic Thunder]

The speedo side bearing is easy to change and is cheap insurance if you replace it.

Don't get the bearing from the AC dealer, go to your local bearing supplier and they can get that bearing for under 10 bucks.

Personally I pull the drive shaft every year just for inspection. I haven't needed to change the bearing yet. I have almost 5000 miles on the sled. But I make sure it is greased and again pull it and re-grease it every season.

Almost every year when I pull it apart the grease is turning white, (getting moisture in it) so this is what will cause the problem over the long haul if you don't take a look at it.

Thunder

 

[fishtank]

Is it mostly the main driveshaft bearings that go or do the driven shaft (clutch/brake) bearings go as well?

If its easy to get in there I guess I should take a look then. 8)

 

[Arctic Thunder]

Is it mostly the main driveshaft bearings that go or do the driven shaft (clutch/brake) bearings go as well?

If its easy to get in there I guess I should take a look then. 8)

I never had problems with the jack shaft bearings (clutch/brake). But I have seen a couple of them go.

But it 10-1 on the track shaft/main drive shaft bearings compared to the jack shaft. And then 9 out of 10 times it is the speedo side on the track shaft compared to the chain case end.

Thunder

 

[Twostroke]

Yes, you need to be replacing the bearings, at least every other season. They are very cheap, you can get them at NAPA for like $12 each.

You do not want to see how long they last, I had one let loose on me last year, drive shaft got ripped out and my sled spent 2 nights in the bottom of a bowl. Had to do the repairs in the bowl because it was too steep to tow out. Not fun.
I do ride my fairly hard and was airing it into the bowl when it happen but still, stay on top of them.

Pics attached of when mine went

 

[fishtank]

Haha, sweet, so you dont need the proper cat bearings they list on parts websites for 35 bucks each? Is it possible that the NAPA ones are cheap immitations which is why they keep failing though?

Could you tell me what the part number was or what size I should be asking for at NAPA?

 

[fishtank]

Bump

How do I know what parts to ask for at NAPA? Im pretty sure if I asked them for Arctic Cat drive shaft bearings they would think I was some kinda idiot.

Is there a specific size/style/type that I need to be asking for?

 

[smv sledhead]

It's just a standard race 1" bearing. Twostroke's pic of a sled on its side looks familiar. You don't want to do that on the hill unless absolutely necessary. Had a buddy that did i last year. His bearing was toast, and the driveshaft actually came out of the housing. Worth the hassle of looking, and dishing out $20 to change them both.

 

[Twostroke]

Bump

How do I know what parts to ask for at NAPA? Im pretty sure if I asked them for Arctic Cat drive shaft bearings they would think I was some kinda idiot.

Is there a specific size/style/type that I need to be asking for?

Mine were cat bearings that blew.

The NAPA part number should be RA100-RRB

 

[fishtank]

Man we tried to do this damn bearing last night and it took forever. Its still not out!! I did forget my service manual so that didnt help but I was working with a guy who works on lots of cats (mostly panthers and smallers ones cats) but still I had heard it was a quick easy replacement!!

Bascially we have opened it up, pushed the drive shaft out a few inches (past the chain end). Got half of that split case bracket thing off and also loosened the bearing locknut thing. The actual bearing wont budge!! Do they sometimes rust on if they havnt been changed in a while? We left it soaking in WD-40 and will have to go back later in the week to see if its loosened off a bit.

On a better note, got my new Wildchild post in. I should post pics of how bent up the old one was. Glad I changed it over!