Some questions about jack and driveshaft bearinngs.

[straycat03rx1]

I'm in the process of changing the track on my 03 rx 1.The sled has 3300 miles on it and is new to me. I've had Polaris and cats in the past. My first Yamaha. The only Bearing showing wear is the upper chain case bearing. Why that bearing is not a sealed bearing is one ?. It's open to metal fillings from the chain.The bearing behind the secondary clutch to sealed and is fine.
The sleds I've had in the past at 3000 miles I've had to replace most of the skid bearings.This thing needs nothing. I've always changed out the drive bearing on the speedometer end of the drive shaft just because there cheep and I've had one fail back in the early 90s. The bearing on this Yamaha is different and seems fine. Never have changed any other bearing on the jack shaft or in the chain case.
So the only bearing that needs replacing as I see it is the one on the chain case side of the jack shaft. What your opinion? Change them all or just the bad one?Also. Do I go with a sealed bearing on top of the chain case? If not. How come?
And where is a good bearing dealer on line?

 

[Ratpack]

Change all of them. It is much cheeper to do it now,rather than after on goes bad at 60 mph. I do not put a sealed bearing in there. We get our bearings from Kaman Bearings. 3000 miles is about when I change all of those. Another thing to check is the update on the bearing behind the secondary clutch. I don't remember if it was in 2004 or 2005 they came out with a new set up for that. It holds the bearing in place. With out that, when that bearing broke everything went with it.

 

[straycat03rx1]

ok cool thanks. I still dont understand why not sealed bearing in the chain case?

 

[YammyRX1]

Yes, change them all if you have the chaincase apart. The update in 2005 was to change the way the jackshaft bearing is held in place. Yours should have a split, tapered sleeve that just stays in place by the taper itself. In 2005 they changed the sleeve to have threads on the back and it is now held in place with a lock nut.

 

[straycat03rx1]

I've still got a problem with chain filing floating around inside the bearings. The bearing outside behind the secondary sees way worse abuse than the one inside there and is in better condition. Not only that, I just checked my 99 t cat with 7000 miles on the clock. Its sealed and never been changed. Probably had some hot suppers too.

 

[YammyRX1]

Glue a rare earth magnet to the drain plug or dip-stick, that should look after any ferrous metal filings. I've never noticed any in the oil, are you sure there isn't a bigger problem? Most people would tell you that the chaincase bearings last a long time and it's the speedo that has to be replaced the most, followed by the left side jackshaft bearing.

 

[straycat03rx1]

there was really nothing in the bottom of the chain case. Im just wondering the advantage of open bearings in there. Thats all.the lower one is shielded on the side facing the gear. I guess i just got too many questions. I will say this is the best thought out sled ive ever worked on.

 

[shagman]

there was really nothing in the bottom of the chain case. Im just wondering the advantage of open bearings in there. Thats all.the lower one is shielded on the side facing the gear. I guess i just got too many questions. I will say this is the best thought out sled ive ever worked on.

Welcome to a Yamaha. Lol

 

[straycat03rx1]

i have a 03 zr 900 and this 03 rx1.changed the drivers last year at 2500 miles.I have been a cat guy for awhile. still an to some degree.I like working on the yami.really put together well. the zr is a diferent critter. However it hard to understand how they can ask the same money for these sleds.

 

[jong22250]

For sure change them all made the mistake last fall changed the track and just the lowers and poof first ride 80 miles later smoked the on the secondary side had a hell of time getting it out and the sleeve was heat welded to the shaft destroyed the shaft defently up grade to the new style nut and tappeared sleave and pay attion when u install the bearing on the secondary side its tappered put it in back wards and its all goota come apart agian

 

[stomper]

Good to know. This thread couldn't have come along at a better time. I am just about to start tearing into my chaincase to replace the drive axle. I have 17000 miles on it and have no idea when/if it was changed. Is it best to just replace the bearings with OEM or is there a better bearing out there.

 

[Winderallday!]

straycat03: the chaincase bearings on these sleds typically last quite some time from my experience, odd that at 3,3oo miles one is shot. I have run up over 10,000 miles and all bearings in the case are still in good shape, just replaced for peace of mind more than anything else.
A bit of a mystery why the OEM bearings only have one seal on the chain or wet side of the bearing, or have no seals at all. The chain case oil seems to find it's way past the seals and keeps the bearing lubricated. In the past, I have purchased Yammy replacement bearings (very spendy imo) and most recently I have used standard sealed Koyo industrial bearings in a buddy's sled, and left the seals in both sides of the bearings.
If or when you replace the clutch side jackshaft bearing, I would recommend before locking that bearing down on the jackshaft, that the chaincase side nut be tightened up on the jack shaft up against the top gear/bearing, this sets the position of the jackshaft across the sled, and then the clutch side bearing can be locked in place on the jackshaft. This ensures you don't apply any side load on the upper bearing in the chaincase, which may be the reason it is worn before it's time in your case.

 

[straycat03rx1]

Honestly the bearing wasnt really that bad. Didnt fail. Just felt a bit lumpy.I know it would have lasted awhile.

 

[blkhwkbob]

As Apexallday states, the chaincase side sets up the positioning of all of the bearings and shafts on the clutch side. Tighten those first.

Yamaha bearings are very expensive. I've never had a problem going aftermarket. Most of the time, the bearings are fine, but when I have the thing pulled apart for any reason, I will change anything that isn't perfect.

If you are more comfortable going with the sealed bearing, do it. I guess Yammie doesn't figure on shavings working there way into the open side.

The jackshaft collar upgrade is in the parts diagrams starting in 2004. Make sure you get the "locknut" tight or it will come off.

Polaris sleds famous for eating bearings under 3k miles. Yamaha different story. Quality.

 

[Tommyboy]

Does anybody have a list of aftermarket bearings for parts listed above. I'm changing my track and installing star suspension, might as well do it while it's my hands.