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How to Replace a Snowmobile Bearing

Snowmobiling is one way to get out of the house in the winter and enjoy the outdoors. Regular inspection and maintenance of your sled helps avoid being stranded in the wilderness. One part that commonly fails on a snowmobile is its idler wheel bearings. These are the small wheels located inside the track that allow it to roll around the suspension. Replacing a bearing is a simple, inexpensive process that will get you back on the trail.

Things You'll Need

Ratchet
Socket set
Flat-head screwdriver
Wood blocks
Hammer
Snap ring pliers
Bearing
Bearing clip

Instructions

- 1
  Place the new bearings in a freezer for several hours. This shrinks the size of the bearing, making it easier to install.
- 2
  Remove the bolt that secures the damaged idler wheel to the snowmobile with a ratchet and socket.
- 3
  Insert the tips of the snap ring pliers into the snap ring retaining the bearing and compress the ring. Pry out the ring when it is compressed with a flat-head screwdriver.
- 4
  Place two blocks of wood on a hard flat surface the right distance apart to support the idler wheel, leaving a gap in the middle for the old bearing to be pushed out. Place the idler wheel on top of the wood blocks with the bearing facing down.
- 5
  Position a large socket over the top of the bearing on the other side of the idler wheel. Tap the socket with a hammer to remove the bearing.
- 6
  Clean out the inside of the idler wheel with an old rag to remove any grease or dirt.
- 7
  Place the idler wheel on a flat hard surface with the bearing side up. Position the frozen bearing on top of the idler wheel and lay a block of wood on top. Tap the block of wood until the bearing is seated in the idler wheel.
- 8
  Reinstall the snap ring to secure the bearing in the idler wheel. Fasten the idler wheel back into the snowmobile suspension reversing the process used to remove it.

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