Snowtrac st4 variator and wheel bearing ?

[Aklynxhunter]

I'm just getting around to working on my rig and have a few question. I'm ordering bearings for the whole rig. Alot of things have changed in the past 61 years. Would sealed bearings work better for all the wheels or should I stay with the original open face bearings. Same with the bearings on the upper towers of the variator.
Thanks.

 

[Cidertom]

As to the variator No opinion. I replaced like with like. As to the wheel bearings I don't think sealed are a good idea. the snow/ice mix imposes huge pressures on the bearing driving the water into it. I don't think the sealed will keep the water out. They need to be greaseable to force the water out after each use.

 

[Aklynxhunter]

Thank you very much. I ended up driving to anchorage and ordered all open bearings and seals for the whole machine. Hopefully I can get variator all back together before I go back to work.

 

[redsqwrl]

I have put some sealed bearings in a hand ful of wheels and pulled the inner seals out with a pick. I grease per-usual and my thinking is an extra seal is good and greasing continues to push out the water and what not.

the 60 yrs of survival is evidence it might have been a great design.

 

[Aklynxhunter]

Thanks for all the input. I've been watching for the last year. In middle of cabin build so I'm going to be at a snails pace. Week out on bearings and tires and 2 weeks out on powder coat for frame. Still plenty of things to keep me busy. Watched jphoenix set a blistering pace on his. Might have to get a second job. 😆

 

[redsqwrl]

Thanks for all the input. I've been watching for the last year. In middle of cabin build so I'm going to be at a snails pace. Week out on bearings and tires and 2 weeks out on powder coat for frame. Still plenty of things to keep me busy. Watched jphoenix set a blistering pace on his. Might have to get a second job. 😆

Yeah that guy makes things happen!

 

[Aklynxhunter]

what type of grease has everyone been using in the variator. I will see 20 below. Also I remember reading lyndon saying to drill a hole in variator towers. How high up. Just like a 1/8 hole. My transmission has plugs in it already.

 

[Cidertom]

Depending on the year, your towers may already have vent holes. they just need to be high enough so fluid doesn't run out of them on steep inclines. I run a polyurea (https://shop.deere.com/us/product/T...a-Grease,-397-gram-(14-Oz)-Cartridge/p/TY6341) grease on the variators, mostly because that's what I use on the rest of the equipment. Once they get in use the low temp isn't the issue. I've considered changing to "water resistant" poly grease, ( https://shop.deere.com/us/product/T...-Grease,-397-gram--14-Oz--Cartridge/p/TY24425 ) but so far have not.