6 gear outdrive distorting bearings on one side?

[80sRunner]

Hey All,

I spent a lot of time replacing bushings for bearings in a 6 gear.

On one of the out drives, its motion springs back in the other direction when moving it slowly. I tried 2 sets of bearings, with the same outcome. The out drive is clean as a whistle. The other out drive spins freely with each set of bearings in the problem one. One of the out drives is "friction-free"

Should I source a new out drive or put it back together as is?

Thanks!

[radioactivity]

Hi

I've never run across that problem. Sounds as if something is getting tight when rotating.
By "outdrive" do you mean the outdrive installed with both the idler and input shaft gears installed in the trans?
If so, it is probably the idler gear. I would think so because it is plastic and possibly distorted in some way.
Again, if the trans is totally assembled, swap idler gears side to side and see if the problem changes sides.

Chuck

[juicedcoupe]

You could have something bent. The aluminum spline plate in one of mine was bent, causing a slight misalignment.

[80sRunner]

Thanks all.

I was able to resolve this with the help of the old bushing and Dremel tool. With a Sharpie, I drew a black line all the way around the bushing and inserted it into the outdrive. I was able to see where it was binding the bearing. Visually, I could not see it. It was only the non-flanged bearing that was the problem.

Using one of those green, rubber-like polishing bits, I was able to hone the outdrive out. I did it little by little, and it got better each time. It's perfect now.

I'm glad I checked the movement of the bearings. This transmission would have been awful!

Cheers!

[juicedcoupe]

As an option, you could do the outdrive bearing mod.

There are a few ways to do it. I use the inner race of an old bearing to replace the non-flanged inner bearing.

[80sRunner]

@juicedcoupe

I understand what you are saying. With just a race, for the inner outdrive, non-flanged bearing, it would just act like a spacer for the outer flanged one.

...and the large stealth bearing fits right into an unmolested 6 gear case?

Thanks!

[juicedcoupe]

@juicedcoupe

I understand what you are saying. With just a race, for the inner outdrive, non-flanged bearing, it would just act like a spacer for the outer flanged one.

...and the large stealth bearing fits right into an unmolested 6 gear case?

Thanks!

Yes.

The only other thing needed is a small screw on the left side of the case, to keep the bearing from coming out. The motor plate serves the same purpose on the right side.




A Dremel with a cutoff wheel makes quick work of the outer bearing race. A couple slits and it comes right apart. A vise or some locking pliers to hold the bearing while you cut are recommended.

[80sRunner]

@juicedcoupe

...good thread! Thanks!