drive axle bearing (speedo end)

[Kevin Brown]

Hi Guys
I have a 94 V max 4. Changed all bearings on the sled including the one behind the speeod drive 3 years ago( 1500km). Ive heard rumours of This bearing failing & destroying the shaft. Some people,not v-max 4 people have even said they should be changed every other year. What do you guys think. Its kind of in an ockward spot , but any ideas on how i can inspect it at the beginning of each season in order to catch a bad bearing before it fails completely.
Thanks Kevin:help:

[ALLSEASONRIDER]

This seems to be a problem bearing. I would assume the bearing heats up and burns out the grease, then water gets in and it rusts/fails. Usually resulting in the speedo pin breaking off/speedo failure. I had mine fail at under 3k miles. Change it before it fails...my .02..

[Ike]

I have changed it once in 9800 km´s. Didn´t feel rusted 2 years and 3000 km´s ago. BUT better safe than sorry. It is a cheap insurance to have new bearings. Changeing those are pain in the a** though...

Ike

[8BU]

Had the stock one fail around 7000 miles and embarassed to say thought it was just a broken speedo till next day there was a puddle of oil on the garage floor from the chain case. Didn't ruin shaft but had some work to be done. I would say only way to inspect it properly is to remove it. To much stuff to turn to hear or feel if its bad. Put in a good quality bearing when replacing. Remember its just like buying a Yamaha, you get what you pay for.:vmax4:

[vmax4rules]

:agree: and will add that if you want to save some $$ get the number off the bearing and try a local supplier.

[mjdevries]

Or www.vxb.com (http://www.vxb.com)

[YAMMIEGOD 3:16]

THAT BEARING IS $76.00 FROM YAMAHA. I HAVE NUMBER IF YA NEED IT OFF OEM. I JUST REPLACED ONE ON MY 95 800 AND THATS 13 YEARS OF GRASS DRAGS IN DIRT, MUD, AND CLAY. ALSO REMEMBER THIS BEARING IS SEALED. 3:16 (yammie tony)

[Ken]

I'd say that there are a few things to consider. What quality of bearing did you use. What conditions do you ride in. How do you maintain your sled, do you ever use a pressure washer on the skid. If you do use a pressure washer then you could be driving water into the bearings past the seals.

It's been three years and 1500 km, so I'd say go ahead and replace it. It's pretty easy to change and you can get a good quality bearing from a bearing supplier for a pretty reasonable price. After you change it pull the seals, have a look, and see how the bearing feels. This should give you a pretty good indication for future bearing changes. I'd guess that it would be in pretty good condition but if it isn't it will have been a really worth while $20 and 1 hour of your time.

[Kevin Brown]

Thanks gang.
As i expected. Its better to be safe than sorry. I will coment again on the bearings condition & brand# after removal
Kevin

[Naskram]

Hey...................................my speedo on my Vmax600 has just packed up @7200km.................is there anyway to change out this bearing, without pulling the chain case of??

Cheers

[8BU]

Hey...................................my speedo on my Vmax600 has just packed up @7200km.................is there anyway to change out this bearing, without pulling the chain case of??

Cheers

If you are talking about the bearing on the speedo side, yes. Loosen track, take off clutch side panel, below secondary is the speedo cover, set parking brake, remove speedo cover and watch for little connecter that drives speedo cable, remove nut on end of shaft, replace bearing.

[Naskram]

Thanks 8BU.