NH LX885 axle/sprocket question

GerryL · Nov 2, 2003

Hello,
Does anyone know how the sprockets are attached to the drive axles on an LX885? I've got one and was servicing it in preparation of winter; while checking the final drive chain tension on the front right drive, I found some play but it didn't feel like slack chain. I opened up the chaincase to be sure the chain was snug and I found that the sprocket was slightly rotating on the shaft. /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif I don't have a diagram or service manual yet, and I couldn't see or feel what the
assembly was like. Thanks! Gerry

art · Nov 2, 2003

I can check in the morning but most are splined shafts.

GerryL · Nov 3, 2003

Great, thanks for checking. If it is splined, and I don't replace the parts right away, what additional risk am I taking? Do any of you work on these regularly and see this? Right now I can freely turn the tire so at the outer edge it rotates maybe 1/2".
Gerry

art · Nov 3, 2003

Gerry, are you sure that is not chain looseness? The NH is a fine spline that tells me you shouldn't be able to have a 1/2 even on the outside or you maybe at a maximum of loosness on the splines. The Case units are a coarse spline and easier to have a little slop on. They will eventually strip out, now you might be able to save one or the other of the two pieces, later I doubt it.

GerryL · Nov 3, 2003

Art, thanks for checking the books. I'm confident that the chains are snug. I took off the chaincase cover to check. I also reached in and could feel the sprocket/axle. When rocking the tire, I could feel the slight play betwen the two. Maybe it's not quite 1/2" movement at tire edge, but it's got to be close. I'm assuming that it's got to be wear in the splines. I guess I better start thinking about getting a service manual. Thanks again! Gerry

powerstroke2000 · Nov 8, 2003

are the wheel bearings loose by chance there is a snap ring that holds the bearings in place then there are shims behind that to adjust the preload

GerryL · Nov 28, 2008

Well this is amazing! Tonight I was using my LX885 to pull a van in my yard; it had sunk in so was quite a load. While doing it I lost the drive on right side and heard a stripped clicking sound. I decided to do a search on LX885 axle, and up pops this thread I started 5 years and a couple weeks ago! As you can see I decided to let it go, and it lasted 5 years of homeowner use. I guess I can't complain. I just hope it's sprocket and axle, not motor spline. Time will tell...no delaying now though, I'm on borrowed time for snow plowing!
-Gerry