Drive Shaft Bearing failure

[fabman.2008]

I had a drive bearing go out on the P.T.O. side with 3800 miles I had to drive it around 8 miles to get it to a trailer. the question is am I safe just replacing the one bearing or should I replace both?

 

[Sasquatch]

Good question. I'll ask a few more, if the other bearings have as many miles then would they not have the same wear?
What year is your Apex? Have you ever cleaned the bearings and repacked them?

Myself I would open up the works and check them all. So if I did that I would just replace them all as I'm in there anyway.

 

[TBay Sledhead]

The problem with the track drive pto side brg is that when it heats and then cools off it draws moisture into the brg. If this brg is not service regularly then it rusts and grinds it self to failure. The chaincase side gets a supply of gear lube ever so slight but enough to lube and protect the brg. The pto jack shaft brg is not subject to the same envirornment, therefore should last a lot longer. I would check this brg (big job to replace) and replace the lower track drive brg. These brg should last the life of the track if serviced regularly.

 

[fabman.2008]

I pulled the chain case cover and checked the bearings they seem to roll smooth and look in good shape.

 

[Sasquatch]

I pulled the chain case cover and checked the bearings they seem to roll smooth and look in good shape.

And the Jack shaft bearing PTO side?

 

[hibshman25]

If you brought sled in for service I would be replacing that lower chain case bearing. Once the speedo bearing goes out the drive shaft no longer runs true which then places a lateral load on the chain case bearing. Ball bearings are not designed to tolerate this type of load. An $8 bearing is not a shortcut worth taking.

The speedo bearing needs to be cleaned and repacked with grease at a minimum every season. I do this to all my personal sleds and all customer sleds I service.

I have bearings in stock if you need a source for them.