Jackshaft and Driveshaft bearing re-grease

[Apex2006]

I do this annually to prevent the need to replace the bearings. Did not see any pictures in the "sticky" so decided to add these below.... Need a dental tool and small/thin screwdriver to pry the seal off the bearing. Thouroughly clean the bearing with spraying WD-40 generously getting all the old grease and crap out of the bearing. Freshly pack the bearings with new bearing grease and replace the seals and re=assemble. Takes about 45 minutes to an hour to do the full job. I have seen some dirty and rusty bearings that need to be replaced, especially the driveshaft bearing. If you do this annually, you will never need to replace them.
First pics are the Jackshaft, and the second set of pics are the Driveshaft......

 

[sorenson1610]

How was your jackshaft bearing?

 

[Apex2006]

It was a little dirty but no rust as I do it each year at this time. My Apex seemed to be much worse with rusty crap inside that really needed to be cleaned out well. Its about 35 bucks to replace it but I have had great luck re-greasing annually.

 

[murdog94]

Alas something else to add to the annual tool box. I am doing a bunch of upgrades this year so i am going to replace the drive axle bearings while i have it appart.

 

[yamafreak]

I do this also every spring before I put her away. so far so good

 

[sorenson1610]

It was a little dirty but no rust as I do it each year at this time. My Apex seemed to be much worse with rusty crap inside that really needed to be cleaned out well. Its about 35 bucks to replace it but I have had great luck re-greasing annually.

Yeah I have the bearing and was going to do it last year but the bearing felt good and I really didn't want to rip it all apart. I just replace my drive shaft bearing, I had about 2000 miles on the one I replaced and it already felt kinda crappy. Pretty easy to replace that one.

 

[kviper]

If I put that much grease in the bearing it usually ends up all over everything and I have heard of it ending up on clutch shiev's. Otherwise I have been doing my bearing's for years. Nice pix for those looking to do theres!

 

[clatla]

This is the second post I have read about regreasing. Both say clean with WD40. Why do you guys prefer this? I did mine earlier this year but used brake cleaner.

 

[judger101]

i think people like to use wd40 because there will probably be some residue from whatever spray you are using after you are done, and at least wd40 is a lubricant whereas break cleaner is not

 

[yamahas]

I like to blow out as much of the WD40 as I can. If it helps take the grease out I don't want it in there when I put fresh grease.

Great pictures! This will make your bearings last much longer. I actually had some water in mine once, glad I got it out.

 

[snox164]

Great pics! This needs to be added to the FAQs, the one that is in there has no pics!

 

[dburrowes]

is there any maintenance to the bearings on the other side?

 

[Apex2006]

Nope, if you do this annually, no problems. I have changed them out on some of my buddies sleds because they ignored it and had too much rust and crap that could not be cleaned out, especially the driveshaft bearing. That collects the most moisture and crap. For $35.00 you can replace them with new, but I can keep them looking new by simply doing this each season

 

[revster]

Not to hijack the thread but while we are on this topic have you guys noticed how much play you have between the jackshaft and driveshaft?

I have my sled up on the lift without a belt on it. I noticed that I can turn the secondary 3" (measured on outer diameter to fixed point) before it starts to turn the driveshaft. Then if I turn it backward same thing. I don't recall there being this much play between the two. Seems excessive to me. Normal?

[chain tension is set properly and secondary is solid on shaft]

 

[Mooseman]

Do not use brake cleaner!!!! It destroys the seals. I've seen it myself where the sealing surface looked like a lasagna noodle after. Since you don't see the inner seal when doing this, it can be damaged without you knowing.

WD40 is the way to go. And when blowing the bearing out, don't overdo it as you might blow out the inner seal.