Drive Shaft Bearing Question

[MN98VMAX]

So I'm in the middle of putting new tracks on my '98 VMax's, I have the chain cases off, so I thought I might as well replace the bearings. I went and bought new ones yesterday and noticed the new ones have dust shields on both sides of the bearings. The ones in my sleds only had the shield on one side, and it was the side towards the chain, so no gear lube was getting to them? Does this seem right? I'd think you'd want it the other way so the bearings were getting lubricated? Or leave the shield on both sides and let the grease in the bearing from the factory do it's thing?

Anybody have any thoughts or experience with this?

Thanks!
Mike

 

[stein700sx]

Pop off one of the shields.Some guys take the case side off as to help eliminate debris getting into the bearing

 

[MN98VMAX]

I guess my question is why did Yamaha do it this way? You'd think since there isn't any lube in the case side anyway, why not leave both covers on? Then the grease that's in the bearing stays in the bearing?

Wishing I was an engineer (or knew the one who decided to do it this way) right about now!

Mike

 

[Sledsquatch]

I have heard that you do not want the gear oil getting on the bearing. The reason is the metal shavings that come off of the chain and gears will prematurely wear out your bearings. Always install the bearing with the shield towards the chain.

 

[maxdlx]

leave them both on, it will last longer

 

[bluemonster1]

I keep my bearing open to the oil.Usually a bearing being closed will eventually dry out.With oil bathing it ,will last a long time.This is no problem as long as you change your oil twice a year.I also use Amsoil Transmission fluid which really lubricates the bearings.Have had no problems doing this,and I know a lot of other guys do the same thing with the bearing open.

 

[MN98VMAX]

So I was talking to a buddy of mine, and he was saying that the gear lube will work it's way past that dust shield and lubricate the bearings. However, it will keep any larger bits of metal from getting into the bearing. So I think I'll leave them on the chain side. That did raise another question however, as the bearing in the cover didn't have a shield on either side! So I think I'll do the same thing there and leave the shield on the side towards the chain.

Since it lasted 5000 miles the way it was, hopefully it really doesn't matter that much!

Thanks!
Mike