change 250sx differential bearings?

[dizasterzrfun69]

ok, i'm redoing this machine and replacing all the bearings that look/feel like they could need replaced. The bearings in the differential feel tight, but the seal part of the bearing doesnt look too good. it looks like it has a bunch of little bumps under it. So should i replace the bearings? I would hate to change them and not need to but at the same time, i dont want to put it all back together just to tear it apart in a few months and replace them. How hard is it to take the differential totally apart? if i pull the bolts out of the sides will it pop apart? Will there be gears all over? I know i could figure it out but why take a chance of losing parts when i could ask some people that know? Whats the best way to remove the bearings if thats what i decide to do? I do have an arbor press so that will help i'm sure.

Thanks
Kevin

[bigredhead]

i was there not long ago.

not that many gears in there.. nothing like a tranny.

if the outer seal looks " bumpy " that's usually the bearing's inner ball guide all messed up.... if you have them.. i'd do it.

partsfish.com has diagrams that would be helpful if you don't have a manual... but a manual would be a great thing to have !!!!

[dizasterzrfun69]

i was there not long ago.

not that many gears in there.. nothing like a tranny.

if the outer seal looks " bumpy " that's usually the bearing's inner ball guide all messed up.... if you have them.. i'd do it.

partsfish.com has diagrams that would be helpful if you don't have a manual... but a manual would be a great thing to have !!!!



Yea i need a manual, just havent gotten one yet. I was thinking i should change them but wasnt 100% sure


Kevin

[Dirtcrasher]

The bumps mean water has gottewn in there and there is a bit of rust under the bubbled seal.

The diff comes right apart. However be forewarned of the following. Just like any "ring and pinion" that ring gear is shimmed to either side for the correct mesh. I take it apart slowly and measure each shim with a micrometer (there is only 1 left and 1 right shim). The left and right bearing are standard bearings 6004's or something, I'd have to look it up. They are a piece of cake to change but the front bearing is a whole different story. It has both a pinion bearing and a needle bearing and it is one of the hardest bearings I have ever changed - also requires a special tool. Once I get it apart I soak and spin that front bearing in gas and if it isn't too sloppy I reuse it.

Thats why everyone with an SX should stay the hell out of water unless they themselves have personally tore into the diff, swing arm area and rebuilt it and sealed it up 100%. Very expensive stuff to buy and repair.

[ewalker302]

Thats why everyone with an SX should stay the hell out of water unless they themselves have personally tore into the diff, swing arm area and rebuilt it and sealed it up 100%. Very expensive stuff to buy and repair.

I agree, because of worn rear axle bearings letting in water, my pinion bearing went out, and the balls crushed my ring and pinion gears. That was not much fun to fix.

But, now that I have it sealed up tight I take it through every hole I can.

[Howdy]

Kevin, Bring the differential down to me when your Dad comes this way. I have a special tool I made for removing the one nut. I also have a rebuilt kit that has all the needed bearings. ;)
Howdy

[dizasterzrfun69]

Kevin, Bring the differential down to me when your Dad comes this way. I have a special tool I made for removing the one nut. I also have a rebuilt kit that has all the needed bearings. ;)
Howdy


Well the old man was going to run and get the bearings i needed today for everything on the trike. He is going to a big ol bearing company and matching them up. (he went the same place for his tiger bearings) If he didnt get the bearings before i get out of school and i can get ahold of him, i will say something to him. Would you change the pinion gear bearings or whatever they are? We looked at them and dad said they are like brand new.


Kevin