Replacement Idler Wheel Results & Hints

[QCRider]

Got it, I chose the goofy looking wheel for all the locations.

 

[garserio]

Got it, I chose the goofy looking wheel for all the locations.

Good move.

This should solve your wheel problem. Yamaha used to offer the same wheel, but with a teardrop spoke pattern and the wider 6205 bearing. I had these "teardrop" wheels on my old 600sx and they lasted 4,000 miles! I expect the same lifetime out of these newer style wheels since the design and materials are basically the same.

(On another note, your tagline seems to suggest that you are in southern NH. I grew up in Andover, MA and used to cruise the strip up in Hampton Beach back in my high schools days... Where do you ride out that way besides going to QC?)

 

[QCRider]

Over the last 6-7 years I basically ride nowhere other than Quebec. I actually work in Hampton though. Small world. I bought 10 of these wheels. 6 for my '05 RX-1 and 4 for the wife's Vector. I hope the RX-1 wheels go on easier than what you described with the Vector. I think they should.

 

[zigyqhouse1270]

WILL THIS WORK ON THE 06 RS VENTURE IAM HAVEING A PROBLEM WITH MY WHEELS BLOWING APART TO

 

[STORM-CHASER]

I just found out my inners are junk 600 miles and they are junk?? I will be doing the machine work on the inside to get the old 97 wheels to work 1.5 mill of each the coller and the bracket.

 

[STORM-CHASER]

Here are the P/N's:
Inner Replacement Bogeys: SMA-8FP38-01-RD (or BL, SL, YL)
Outer Replacement Bogeys: SMA-8EK38-01-RD (or BL, SL, YL)
Longer Bolt (L=85mm) for SMA-8EK38-01: 95817-10085-00

Can you change the bearings on the inner wheel?

 

[garserio]

Here are the P/N's:
Inner Replacement Bogeys: SMA-8FP38-01-RD (or BL, SL, YL)
Outer Replacement Bogeys: SMA-8EK38-01-RD (or BL, SL, YL)
Longer Bolt (L=85mm) for SMA-8EK38-01: 95817-10085-00

Can you change the bearings on the inner wheel?

Yes, you can change the bearings on the new accessory wheels.

I'll tell you that these wheels should be just fine. I rode 100miles on them up at tug hill this weekend and they look as good as new. If you haven't put your collars and link to the lathe yet, you should try these wheels first...

Yamaha should just recall the original wheels and replace them with the accessory wheels. The problem would be solved and the customers would be happy...

 

[ReX]

Although I tend to ride many miles and at fairly high speeds (YMMV), I found the 6005 bearings themselves wear out and fail far too early for my liking.

By 2000 kms the bearings typically should have been replaced. If the 05/06 wheels hadn't failed by 3500 kms, the bearings were completely shot. By 5000 kms the bearings were so worn out that the wheels simply fell off leaving the inner race on the sled (wheels were back ordered last season so I tried to keep riding).

I've never had a 6205 bearing wear to the point that the wheels fall off in 28 years of sledding...

One thing that I never fully understood is the fact that the small 6004 bearings survive on the rear axle. I assume it must be because the larger wheels spin slower. I had over 10,000 kms on the rear axle bearings last year and they were still in good shape.

If my experience is typical and reliability is more important than weight you might want to put in the effort and install the "heavy duty" (pre-05) wheels and bearings (when they need replacing next).

 

[ReX]

Over the last 6-7 years I basically ride nowhere other than Quebec. I actually work in Hampton though. Small world. I bought 10 of these wheels. 6 for my '05 RX-1 and 4 for the wife's Vector. I hope the RX-1 wheels go on easier than what you described with the Vector. I think they should.

It is easier to install them on the RX-1. To do it right you only have to machine the inner wheel mounts (the side surface that the bearing sits against) down by 1.5mm or 0.060". Apparently you can ride simply by bolting them on. The problem is the side of the inner wheels slightly rubs the inner drive cogs on the track.

Here is a picture with the 03/04 wheels installed on the 05 RX-1 skid (inner idler mounts machined). Other than the machining, it is a very easy job (and the machining is very simply too - 5 minute lathe job).

 

[STORM-CHASER]

I chose to do the lathe job because ,I think also that the 6005 will last longer, it makes it harder to get in there, But hopfully I will not have them off.


?garserio
When you use the 6005 wheels on the outside with the longer bolts did you machine anything or do they just bolt on being a little short???

 

[QCRider]

To do it right you only have to machine the inner wheel mounts (the side surface that the bearing sits against) down by 1.5mm or 0.060".

Is this true? I bought the '06 accessory wheels with the understanding that they are a direct fit. I thought it was the older ones that needed to have the machining work done to fit properly.

 

[ReX]

The 05/06 wheels are a direct bolt in. They use the narrower and lighter 6005 bearing that is stock on the 05/06 sleds.

The 03/04 and previous wheels that use the wider and heavier 6205 bearing are the ones where machining is recommended. These will bolt on in the outer locations on all RS/RX sleds as well as the inner locations on the RX but the inner wheels are no longer centered between the drive cogs (RX) without machining.

 

[QCRider]

Ok, that's what I thought. You scared me there for a second...

Oh, and I HAVE seen a 6205 bearing crap itself and the wheel fall right off. It happened just last year and it was a relatively new bearing. Less than a year old.

 

[ReX]

I've never really been happy with non greasable "dust sealed" 6205 bearings on skids either and usually go through at least one set per season (I change them well before the idlers fall off). At least the bearings are only a few $ each and are relatively easy to change (if the wheels have replaceable bearings)

The 6005's are just that much worse, the stock 05/06 wheels don't have replaceable bearings, and my dealer sells the wheel/bearing assembly for $68 each.

 

[QCRider]

I will also likely just carry some 6005 bearings with me and change them each season regardless. Cheaper than buying the whole wheel.