6x6Talk Forum

6x6 Technical Questions => TRACKS => Topic started by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 06:11:46 PM

Title: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 06:11:46 PM
I’m trying to find bearing cages for my max 4. Richard doesn’t have any and my mechanic says they need to be ( TRU ) not bent or bent back because the bearing has too ride ( tru ).  Any thoughts or comments would be appreciated, I’m trying to post the pictures but not having too much luck yet
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Model Citizen on March 12, 2018, 08:17:41 PM
Have you tried the MAX OEM Parts Center 1-800-255-2511 or the Max 6x6.com website?
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: whipperag on March 12, 2018, 08:48:02 PM
Is that front axle bent?
Those are some real cheap looking cages.
Who made those?
If the bearing cages aren’t heavy duty It’s kind of a waste of money,
That axle shouldn’t have bent just plowing through some weeds.
 popcorn popcorn popcorn
 dance dance dance dance
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 12, 2018, 09:00:46 PM
or you can try some of those ULTIMATE BEARINGS banana banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 09:03:58 PM
That is the rear right axle and I think the bending of the cage was more due to the 600 yard drag out of the marsh. I have not tried anyone but Richard but since he doesn’t have them, l wouldn’t feel bad for going to another distributor. I bought the tracks, tires, and cover from a fellow in Colorado. So I don’t really know where there from originally.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 09:05:47 PM
But I still need the cages with the ultimate bearings, right?
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 12, 2018, 09:14:14 PM
NO. years ago when i ran tracks I kept breaking bearings and destroying axles and built the ULTIMATE BEARING and never had a cage on it and never had an issue. look at the pics in that thread I made and you can see how far out the bearing sits. you may still break an axle.
ALSO have you figured out why you keep breaking axles, is it the cages ?
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 09:17:04 PM
I don’t know why yet but as soon as it’s out I’m going to take pictures as it’s coming out.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 12, 2018, 09:26:29 PM
Wfo the mechanic says the bearings look good, but I’ve always put new ones in. When these come out and if I still have the other ones would you be able to look at them and see if that is the start of the failure?
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 12, 2018, 10:34:04 PM
where is the axle braking at. outside of the caged bearing ? it just could be the axle is not strong enough and running the tracks too tight could also be an issue. we will know more once the axle is out.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: rider on March 13, 2018, 04:59:04 AM
The frame rail looks bent to me, along with the bearing cage.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 13, 2018, 08:05:11 AM
Pound for pound the ULTIMATE BEARING WFO has is the Best thing You could do for your max 4 ! Due to the pounding you put it through I think it would be a good investment !!
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 13, 2018, 09:13:21 AM
Wfo can you pm me a price for all of the bearings on the max please.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 13, 2018, 09:25:42 AM
$98.01 bearing cage and it’s the front left. It’s also the only one left does anyone know if it matters on the bracket for front back ,left, or right. Thanks Bridget
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 13, 2018, 09:32:43 AM
There all the same. Also I see yours doesn't have the TIE Bar/Plate running down the side that tie's all 3 into each other . That MAY be the reason your having all this trouble !!!
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 13, 2018, 09:36:06 AM
That Flat Plate will support all 3 axles as 1. Like a 2nd frame sorta speak !!
If your not running one I can BET YA this is a Good reason you busting axles and bearings !
I have a pick of it on a max 4 but it is on my computer at home and I am at work so I can post it later tonight if you like.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 13, 2018, 09:37:16 AM
looks a though the axle is breaking on the inside of vehicle. is this breakage at the snap ring groove ? could all the crap that gets inside be causing the chains to get tight putting stress on axle ? need to find the cause first.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 13, 2018, 05:53:00 PM
Still haven’t broken it down yet but please send a pic of strap. I’m ready to buy some 6” pipe and weld the bolt flanges on then put the bearings in that.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: rider on March 13, 2018, 07:50:52 PM
The only difference is the plow mount ears will come on it.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 14, 2018, 11:10:46 AM
Look at this pic and you will see the Bar/Plates running down the side tying all 3 axles together. This Will Keep the axles in line with the frame when running Tracks. It is a MUST Not just for a snow plow. It came Standard on max 4 Track kits ! Think about it . It is Like 3 frame rails instead of 2 !
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 14, 2018, 07:59:07 PM
Oh. Sh t. They are definitely missing and are a key component now that I see them, looks like I’ll be making them. Hopefully tomorrow we will start tearing it apart.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Model Citizen on March 14, 2018, 08:39:05 PM
If that would help you even a little, Delduck, that would be HUGE! banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 14, 2018, 08:46:54 PM
when I bought my track kit from R.I. they never gave them to me. W.T.F. whistling
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 14, 2018, 08:58:15 PM
At least when the next axle breaks and it’s gets drug out, it looks like it would either keep the carrier from bending or it will bend all of them banana I’m like a kid with a new toy now.   Just have to put it all together..         
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Model Citizen on March 14, 2018, 09:16:18 PM
when I bought my tack kit for R.I. they never gave them to me. W.T.F. whistling

You can remember that long ago?  rofl :-*
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 14, 2018, 09:22:41 PM
shhht I can remember the day I was born banana banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 14, 2018, 09:31:59 PM
 rofl hilarious    I can’t remember yesterday but the grandkids just say it’s cause “pop pops old” and after raising 5 kids I’ve learned it’s easier to agree than argue.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 15, 2018, 09:15:27 PM
I posted the images of the break and found that the opposite side front axle is bent.  Fancy that so we’re pulling that one tomorrow and a new one has been ordered.  Is this when you say I hate my machine.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 16, 2018, 09:18:33 AM
are those axles breaking at the snap-ring groove or does it have them.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 16, 2018, 12:29:47 PM
I didn't think the Axle was Splined that far out ?
Is there a Snap ring grove at the spot it is snapping ? To me that is a Very ODD Place for an axle to snap !
Must say you got me on this one  :o
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 16, 2018, 07:09:27 PM
The axle is not snapping at the snap ring groove.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 16, 2018, 07:15:44 PM
Wow ! Then something is going on brother ! I myself feel thy are getting Flexed !
That side plate will take care of that for sure !!
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 16, 2018, 07:21:33 PM
I shure hope the down time is the killer. 1 1/2 tanks of gas before a breakdown is getting old.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 16, 2018, 07:29:45 PM
TRUST ME ! I'M A DOCTOR !! whistling rofl rofl rofl banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 16, 2018, 07:37:42 PM
I'm  wondering if all that crap he goes over isn't binding between the tires and the tracks causing this. the bar will definitely stabilize the bearing cages and axle flex.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 16, 2018, 07:49:41 PM
You would think it would POP a chain or slip the track off ? :o
I think that with those wheel spacers and the bearing extensions the axle is being Flexed at the tub and outer frame ! I Bet ya the outer frame rail is cracked or twisted also !!
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 16, 2018, 07:57:53 PM
Wfo.  I’m in,   If it is all that crap, which is a possibility, any ideas on how to strengthen or modify the machine. I’m definitely having a strap built for all the cages to connect, and thinking of making the cages out of round pipe. I will say the bearings still look good, but then again they don’t have much drive time on them. The only other thing I can think of is running rubber lines with fittings to any of the grease fittings that are non moving, just like bobcat does on my mini excavator. I’m going to try to find the pic of the other break and post both, taking the photo basically on the same work bench, they are 100% identical. It would be hard to tell the difference in the breaks.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 16, 2018, 08:01:06 PM
Wedge I’m going to check the frame rail Monday but inside the tub looks fine it’s outside that is a mess. I think the cages are being bent bad from dragging it out of the mud so far, but I wouldn’t be dragging her if she wouldn’t break.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: wedge on March 16, 2018, 08:04:16 PM
I have made the bearing extension's out of Pipe and Plate before. Worked Very well also ! Just put a Notch in the inside part for the Grease fitting.
I Thought I had one left to go by BUT you saw my shop !  hilarious
It is a Mess rite now  whistling
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 16, 2018, 08:08:11 PM
Well, I’m in,          popcorn.     I have to try something different so I might as well start now
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: whipperag on March 17, 2018, 11:25:50 AM
Sounds like you might want to try bigger axles.
Maybe 1-1/2 300m and all new bearings.
Then you would need all new sprockets.$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
I think the bearing cages need to be completely sealed to keep all
those weeds and reeds from wraping around the axles.
I think if you make the axles big enough you won’t need the bearing cages.$$$$$$$$
Maybe 2” dia.
And you would need new wheel hubs,
Between the tracks and the terrain,it’s just to much stress on the drive train.
No matter which way you go, you’ve got to stop stuff from wrapping around the axles.
With bigger axles and no cages you would still have to find a way to shield the axles
Can you post a pic of one of the broken axles with everything off it.
 popcorn popcorn popcorn popcorn popcorn
 dance dance dance dance
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 17, 2018, 11:44:52 AM
Yes I will    Thanks for the imput
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: ascaw on March 17, 2018, 12:21:20 PM
Whipper, If Delduck does do an axle size upgrade with new sprockets, do you think he should upgrade the chain and sprockets to #60?  Do you think he may want to reinforce the frame also?  Seems like if he is putting that much stress on the machine, an axle upgrade may just find another weak link/part in the drive line.

Delduck, these machines must work great for what you are using them for when they are not broke, but I think you found something that may be too much for them without some real serious upgrades and big $$$$$$$$.  I hope you can come up with a good solution that won't break the bank.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: WFO on March 17, 2018, 12:29:44 PM
 agree, larger and better steel. 60 chain. short of building a TANK. 2" maybe too big. 1.5" with a different spline count so as to use as much of the size of axle as possible for strength . if it were mine thats what I would do $$$$$$$$$$$$$  banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: whipperag on March 17, 2018, 12:38:18 PM
 iagree  stepping up to #60 chain would be  must.
The $$$$$$$ amount needed to Maybe fix all the problems may not be worth it.
No matter how much money you spend you will still break stuff.
A winch with 2 miles of cable might be needed. rofl rofl.
 popcorn popcorn
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 17, 2018, 04:54:43 PM
I agree the $$$ are getting a little ridiculous. But I keep telling myself that I don’t have everything on the machine properly, such as   Old chain so it was replaced, old axles, so replaced, now I’m finding out I’ve never installed the bearing cages properly because I didn’t have the straps. I run the machine at 1/4 to 1/2 throttle max. I think some of the problem is due to lack of knowledge on my behalf, that’s why I’m glad for all the imput. Something as simple as a picture is what I needed for wedge to see ther was no straps. I’d like to get it together the correct way before I say the machine is at fault. I still like what it does.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 19, 2018, 07:56:57 PM
Looking to see if someone has a good centerline to centerline number for the axle centers of a max 4. The year is 2000 if that makes a difference. I’m having a reinforcement strap being made for the tracks on the max. Unfortunately I have 2 broken axles, 1 in front right and 1 rear left so I can’t take any measurements.
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: whipperag on March 20, 2018, 09:23:59 AM
Max IV centerline
middle to rear is 28.125
middle to front is 30.000

 banana banana banana banana
Title: Re: Help!!! Bearing cage
Post by: Delduck on March 20, 2018, 05:15:15 PM
Thanks whipper.  For some reason I knew you would have it banana.  Thanks again