Arctic Cat Drive Shaft Bearing Failure Poll! - Snowmobile World : Your #1 Snowmobile Forum

woodsy · 01-31-2004, 01:49 AM

Hi Folks:
We have been having a little discussion about whether or not a recent driveshaft bearing failure is a "Cat" weakness. At first I didnt think so but another writer chimed in with the comment that he has seen it on many Cats and thinks it maybe to small of a bearing for the application. Sooooo, I thought another poll might help.
Thanks for your participation!
Woodsy SWRules

newf · 01-31-2004, 01:58 AM

The bearing on the speedo side fail on my last season. I was going like 90mph, I'm surprise I didn't get injured. 4000 miles. Wreaked the chain and lower gear in the process. 4200 miles. 2001 ZR6

Couple weeks ago, my buddy blew his speedo side bearing, damaged the upper gear. He replaced all the bearing in the drive system. Just finished fixing it tonight. 98 600, 4500 miles.

I figure those bearings are good for 4000 miles. Lesson learned. Changed these bearings at 4000 miles.

newf

reveater · 01-31-2004, 07:11 AM

1996 zrt 600, 7500+ miles and no failures

phat_cat800 · 01-31-2004, 09:06 AM

1998 ZR 600 Had the left one go around 3000 miles, then an engine at 3500 and 3800, track, clutch, and headlight...
Though its never been a problem on any other of our many cat sleds.

b349 · 01-31-2004, 09:22 AM

I found mine during preseason check. they weren't totally gone yet but they needed replacing the sled only had 600 miles on it

After I had them replaced it was fine till I killed her. She had around 2500 on her then

G :dazed:

NW.Rider · 01-31-2004, 12:14 PM

01 MC 800 ,left bearing failed 350 miles or so,ate up the chain case pretty good.
while it was in the shop getting fixed I noticed an identical sled to mine with about a thousand miles on it getting the same repair.more than just a freak accident now
while my bearing was too torn up to too see original shape.the other sleds wasn't,
It looked like a decent size sealed bearing for the application but very rusty.this guy
heard it squealing and brought it in.the mechanic pointed out holes in the side covers of the bearing.AC intended these holes to facilitate grease flow and give us longer lasting bearings but water and non waterproof grease don't mix very well.
this bearing failure is eminent you can prolong it by greasing after every ride with waterproof grease. You can get the grease at most auto supply stores,they make it for boat trailer wheels.personally I would not wait for the failure,it can be
dangerous and expensive when it goes .The replacement from ac is a regular
sealed bearing.Go figure! Arctic Cat probably wouldn't like this info to get out
so here it is.. on the web Im not trying to start a vicious rumor, just telling you
what I paid 900 dollars to learn.

How about a recall AC? Aaron

woodsy · 01-31-2004, 08:18 PM

Interesting, please keep them coming!!

FeelTheThunder · 01-31-2004, 08:26 PM

Has happened on several of my sleds over the years but no damage, I can usually hear it first. 88 Wildcat 650, 92 Wildcat 700, 97 EXT 580, Also the left side Jackshaft bearing on the Wildcat's. I agree you should change them every 4000-5000 miles. I consider it just maintenance, not a weakness. I am in the process of changing them on my 2000 T-Cat tomorrow. I have 5000 miles on the T-Cat

84EVR · 02-02-2004, 08:06 AM

02 ZR800 CC. 3600 miles, no problems. Just went through and checked all and still seem great.

Update 5300 miles, no issues.

ZR Sled Head · 02-02-2004, 10:36 AM

MY LAST SLED...........'02 ZR-800 cce, 9300 miles with ZERO driveshaft bearing issues. However I do grease the LH bearing after every weekends riding and change the chain case oil every second weekend. A little maint goes a long way and costs almost nothing.

Rick.