Horstman Drive Sprockets with Needle Bearings -?

Mark Whitley

I'm interested in hearing opinions and suggestions about the Horstman HDC-5 Drive Sprockets with the needle bearings.
I thought they would be great, but it's been chewing on my Kt100 shaft.
I lubed it with MOTUL Grease when I installed it and put a couple drops of TriFlow on it in between rounds.
Used it for 2 race days before removing and inspecting it.
I think I prefer the bushing as they've really lasted with the same lube technique I just mentioned.
Any advice on lubing the needle bearings and or maintenance?
Or do you also prefer the bushings?

Walt Gifford · Posted: Fri Sep 09, 2011 9:05 pm Post subject:

I've never had a problem with the needle bearing gears but I use a steel nytro wet clutch which I suppose gets some fluid from leakage. I can see where the hard needles would work on the shaft if dry. You could still use the gears if you could replace the needles with some custom made oilite bronze bushings. I hear tell of a gray haired old man in south jersey that can do such things.

Gif Cool

_________________
FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001
Yamaha KT100 Service Center
40 years karting experience

Pete Muller · Posted: Sat Sep 10, 2011 10:10 am Post subject:

I would definitely go bushing. Even if it was a larger sprocket with plenty of room for a bearing, I'd still use a bushing.

The relative speed between the sprocket and the crank is only high at a standstill. Anything over clutch stall speed and there is no (or very little movement). The load carrying capability of the bushing is much higher.

It's no contest... bushing wins.

Mark Whitley · Posted: Tue Sep 13, 2011 4:06 am Post subject:

randoll doon · Joined: 05 Sep 2011 Posts: 9

John Wehrheim · Posted: Mon Oct 08, 2012 10:36 am Post subject:

Anyone know how to replace/remove the needle bearings in a 10 tooth gear? I tried to remove it in one gear with no luck.

Walt Gifford · Posted: Mon Nov 05, 2012 8:52 pm Post subject:

Put the gear in a vise with the gear up and bearing down. Take a small screw driver through the hole and catch the inside rim of the bearing and tap it out. What ever you do don't heat the gear.

patrick slattery · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 11:56 am Post subject:

I have had nothing but issues with the 10th bearing drum. Galling, welding to the crank, breaking the drum. Very unpredictable. I was told with any drum you should not expect more than 2-3 races with the product by Horstman themself. To me that is not acceptable and it is not what other drums provide with longevity