Looking for some help with axle bearings, please.

[Mrbirmi]

Hello,

Just picked up this streaker kart today for 100 bucks. I didn't notice at first, but the rear axle was screwed up. Some of the bearings have slipped out of their flanges, and I can't figure out for the life of me how they go back together. Actually, I'd like to remove the whole thing cuz the brakes are screwed up too, but all I can really do is wiggle it a little. Any advice? I'll take some pictures too.

Thanks!

Matt

 

[Mrbirmi]

 

[karte_m0lim]

You need to slide bearing a bit inside and axle can pass triugh gap..

You should have two flanges , one for each side od bearing and with screew all should be fixed on chasiss..

 

[Mrbirmi]

Alrighty, trying now. Thanks!

---------- Post added at 03:13 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:47 PM ----------

The axle won't move any direction on the right side. It is getting bound up some where, i think it might be rusted together. If I could split the diff I might be able to get the left side bearings fixed. It is soaking in pb blaster at the moment. ..

 

[machinist@large]

Yeah, you appear to have a couple of flanges just plain missing as well. Since you'll need to pull it apart to replace the flanges (personally, I'd replace all of them; if the previous owner ran it like that then the existing one are highly suspect at best, shot at worst) replace the bearings while you have it apart. That way you won't have to do it twice.

As for the bearings, they come in two types, shielded and sealed. For your application you need to get the sealed type, as the shielded type aren't going keep out water and dust.

You currently have the set screw type inner race; there is also an eccentric locking collar type that also work well. If that's the type you receive, just post up pictures and I can walk you through how to install the collar. Just don't jump the gun and start assembly if you don't understand how to use that style; if you don't have the collar's where they belong, you'll have to disassemble the whole thing to get it right.

 

[Mrbirmi]

Thanks for the advise and reply! I've given up for now. Not budging at all. I wish it wasn't a differential, I'd just cut it apart and get all new. I picked this up hoping for a quick flip, and this is really turning into a pain. Maybe tomorrow. ..

 

[itsid]

if you cannot remove the locking collars just cut them with a dremel (or carefully with an adult sized cutting disc ) they're fairly cheap
Since you'd want to replace the bearings too, no need to worry about them being harmed in the process, just make sure the axle stays unharmed, so stop a little early and pry them (collars) apart.

'sid

 

[Mrbirmi]

Thanks for the tip! I've got the adult sized version, I might go give it a try tomorrow. If I have time after work, I'm thinking of running over to Big R to see if they have any of the bearings in stock. Don't really want to wait on shipping (Going out of town for work this week) even though I've found some pretty cheap ones online, they're still charging almost $17 in shipping. Might be able to break even if I just buy some local.

 

[OzFab]

You also may want to clean off/ remove the rust from the axle close to the bearings; at present, the bearings are catching on the rust...

 

[Mrbirmi]

Yeah, I have some 1000 grit sandpaper; if I can cut the old hardware off, I was thinking of cleaning it up with that. I'd assume painting once assembled isn't a great idea. Is there anything you guys are doing to help keep them from rusting up so bad in the future?

 

[OzFab]

Drop a zero from the grit #; 1000 wil only make the rust shiny, 100 will remove it...

A light coat of oil should prevent future rust...

 

[chancer]

Yeah, I have some 1000 grit sandpaper; if I can cut the old hardware off, I was thinking of cleaning it up with that. I'd assume painting once assembled isn't a great idea. Is there anything you guys are doing to help keep them from rusting up so bad in the future?

I am not shy with the sand paper and use 180 grit sand cloth. I also paint my axles, Yes it makes them a tad thicker when sliding on bearings and collars but otherwise the bare steel rusts almost instantly making them more difficult. Also as far as long term prevention of everything sticking together, just regular maintenance, at least once a year taking the whole axle assembly apart inspecting, cleaning, everything replacing what is needed and reassembling.

 

[Mrbirmi]

Well, I grabbed some bearings today. I bought two sets, Thinking I could save two of the existing ones. But, I snagged one set with the grinder, and it turns out there were only three collars for some reason, and i cut two of them off as they were rusted and wouldn't budge. So, I need a third set now. I did buy four sets of flanges. Luckily the last bearing looks fine. Another $8. Anyway, the axle is off, and the brake disks are soaking in pb blaster until Thursday night when I get back from a business trip. Time to rest my blisters! Thanks for the help!