Drive axle bearing

[RX1Jim]

What do you guys do to check the drive axle bearing (speedometer sending unit side)? I had one of these bearings fail on a long tour in Quebec on my 2000 SRX 2 years ago. Since I have not used the 00 SRX and my 03 RX-1 in two years, I going to change these bearings just to be on the safe side. When the bearing failed it ruined the axle and one of the bearing retainer plates. Some have suggested popping the seal out on one side of the bearing, cleaning out the old grease and repacking it with a quality synthetuc grease. Sure would be nice to have a grease fitting so you could push out the old grease, water and crud a few times per season.

 

[King44]

I just finished changing my bearing at the speedo sending unit.It was easy, all you do is take out the set screws on the bearing from the inside on the drive axcel.(Taking the set screws allows you to pull the bearing straight out towards you).Take the round plate off and loosen the sending unit.Buy a new bearing, push it back in,(you'll have to wiggle the drive axcel to align the shaft onto the bearing),then stick your head in the tunnel and re-install the set screws.Put back the round plate and tighten up the sending unit.Thats it!

 

[whits-end]

Only reliable way to check it is to remove it, then spin by hand.

Any way of repacking or adding grease will prolong it's life. I've thought about just pulling the outer seal like Skidoo, but I'm not sure if water/sand would get in.

 

[LooseCannon]

Do yourself a favor and just replace it. Once the bearing has become contaminated with debris (ie) water, sand, dirt ,rust and so on just adding grease will not be as good as replacing it. Use a Timken part number YAE25RR.
You may have 30mins and 20 bucks in the replacement.

 

[donbarb]

axle bearing-speedo side

Be sure to loosen off your track, this will make it easier to install the bearing, as the tension will be removed...

 

[4Fighter]

Do yourself a favor and just replace it. Once the bearing has become contaminated with debris (ie) water, sand, dirt ,rust and so on just adding grease will not be as good as replacing it. Use a Timken part number YAE25RR.
You may have 30mins and 20 bucks in the replacement.

Right on! Keeping a spare close at hand doesn't hurt either.

Thanks for the P/N# always wondered about that.

 

[Snorover]

I have been prying off the seal and regreasing them for years without a breakdown. I just did that at 5900 miles.

This bearing works hard and will heat up and draw in water. This I have allways found true.

I carry an extra jack shaft and drive shaft bearing so I don't miss any trail time.

 

[mikeb]

You can change the jack shafter bearing trail side? Thought it was though to change....

 

[RX1Jim]

These things always seem to fail at the worst time, at least for me. When the axle bearing on my SRX failed in Quebec it was -15 deg. F. It is almost impossible to change a spark plug at that temperature. Change a drive axle bearing or jackshaft bearing on the trail at any temp. below 30 deg. F, NO WAY! I carry spare bearings on my trips but with the expectation of finding a heated garage to work in.

 

[yamahinn03]

How many of you guys out there are having this problem? Im leaving tomorrow and I dont have the time to change it. 4100 miles - 03 RX1.

 

[4Fighter]

How many of you guys out there are having this problem? Im leaving tomorrow and I dont have the time to change it. 4100 miles - 03 RX1.

ME! My drive axle bearing went at 4450 miles. Buy a spare, and at least inspect the bearing before you head-out.

If you have an '03, do you have the '04 jack-shaft bearing update? Better get that too.

 

[whits-end]

When you replace the driveshaft bearing, it's a good idea to dab a little never-seize on the shaft OD and bearing ID; and blue loctite on the setscrews.

 

[Motorhead]

Mine went at 5800 miles !

 

[yamahinn03]

What is the 04 jack-shaft bearing update kit?
Can you change the bearing behind the secondary clutch without removing the shaft, or is that pressed on, it looks like if you take the snap ring off it should come right out? Picked-up a needle greaser and got grease in both of them they looked o.k.???????????????????

 

[yammi]

I'm confused, I replaced the secondary bearing at about 3500 mi, have 5000 now and am considering doing it again. I will replace the speedo bearing this week, what other "main" bearing is necessary? Part numbers, if anyone has them, would be appreciated. Thanks in advance! Rob