Larger Bearing Flanges

[snowfish]

After finishing a skid swap, on my Powder Extreme, I discovered that I have a bent track shaft. Blast! Good thing that I caught it because cracks have developed radiating from the bolt holes on the speedo side.

Question is, does Cat make a larger flange? Perhaps one with 3 or more additional bolt placements? About an inch or so larger would do the trick.

I thought about having the welded. But getting both sides flat, for proper bearing interface, would be extremely difficult given the space to work with. Don’t really think this is way to go.

Plan is to drill small holes at the end of the cracks(to stop them from getting longer), JB Weld the holes (and try to force some into the cracks) and either buy or fab some larger bearing retainers.

Of course, I’ll be picking up a new Track Shaft tomorrow, if the prop shop can’t true my existing one.

Let me know what you think about the plan. And if you know a source for larger flanges.

Cheers.

 

[snowfish]

I'm moving forward with the plan. Had the bodyshop, next door, mod my old flanges. Just need to drill three additional holes on the tabs. Speedo side, of the track shaft, will be held by six bolts vs three to compensate for the stress cracks. Cheers.

 

[mjkaliszak]

I'm still digesting what your plan is ! I would weld the cracks , grind the repaired area flush or below . Sometimes welding thinwall aluminum is tricky. Check Mc Master Carr catalog or Grainger for flange bearings with your ID/OD needs. OR ask a dealer for help with maybe some older model flanges. The shaft I would buy new. The last time I replaced my AC cog shaft from 1 of my sleds it was $160 ( years ago ). IMO trueing a shaft would be difficult, it needs to be overbent to straighten the eccentric condition then has to be indicated true . I would not risk it, there are complications like vibrations that could occur or you may keep taking out bearings/ gears/ chain ect.... That's what comes to mind ! Hope that's some help.

 

[snowfish]

Since welding thin wall aluminum is more than tricky, I opted to go with enhanced bearing flanges. Plan is to be able to tie into some "fresh meat" and allow the additional clamping force to stabilize the cracks.

Truing a shaft is not a big deal, for an advanced prop shop, as long as the shaft is round. Factory spec, on some lower unit outboard motor shafts, is .008. The prop shop next door, when truing a shaft, brings them to .003 - .005. My drive shaft is .010 - .012, as close as we can tell, since the octagonal shaft is harder to read.

I probably will spring for a new shaft, since a used one could be out as well. The prop shop is not comfortable at attempting to true it since the drivers are mounted and it is octagonal. I'll have to see how eager the used parts dealers are at returning a used shaft if it's out of spec before I order new.

My advise is to take a look at your speedo drive, when your sled is on the stand, with the track spinning. If it's wobbling and flexing the tunnel, you'll be walking down this path shortly.

The saga continues……………(sure am glad my back up sled is ok…..knock on wood. At least I can ride if time and conditions permit)

Cheers

 

[mjkaliszak]

I don't get it ? If you have all the answers why did you post ?
Here are a few things to think about with your vast knowledge.
1) the shaft is a "hex"
2) that is not hard to weld if you know a good welder ( had a couple of my tunnels welded )
3) If Your precision " prop" shop was that good they would understand the engineering and recommend a new1. Let alone what it takes to overbend & indicate that shaft.

I'm sorry even tried to help.

 

[snowfish]

Sorry. Don't claim to have all the answers. I just think that there might be more than one way to skin a cat. Was hoping for a "that'll work" or something. If welding is the only way, then I'll do it. They can fill in the holes I've made too while they're at it. LOL! I am going to get a new shaft. I just want to get this section behind me. Then I can see what other can of worms is waiting for me.

Amazing what a little, fun project (skid swap) can uncover. Not having as much fun,as I was, a week ago. This too shall pass. Thanks for the comments.

Merry Christmas.

 

[bouncer]

Sorry. Don't claim to have all the answers. I just think that there might be more than one way to skin a cat. Was hoping for a "that'll work" or something. If welding is the only way, then I'll do it. They can fill in the holes I've made too while they're at it. LOL! I am going to get a new shaft. I just want to get this section behind me. Then I can see what other can of worms is waiting for me.

Amazing what a little, fun project (skid swap) can uncover. Not having as much fun,as I was, a week ago. This too shall pass. Thanks for the comments.

Merry Christmas.

Well I think you did a fine job and thanks for sharing!
Please keep us posted. I myself would like to see the outcome
after a season of riding. This would be a nice addition for extra strength
in that area before it cracked.

You have a Merry Christmas also!