Pinion gear -- now it's a big problem.

[Cupooterluvr]

I drove my Baja again today in the hopes that it wouldn't have the pinion pop off again since it didn't have any problems last time.

Instead I came off even worse than before.

I went over a ledge on the dry pond I was running it in and lost all power. Turns out the bolt that holds the pinion gear on just sheared off completely. The pinion gear looks like it has developed an angled part that might pushing it off the clutch bell.

I'm tired of this pinion gear crap. Is there a hardened steel bell and pinion gear set I can buy? Hopefully with a deeper groove in the pinion so no more of this shearing BS.

If I do get a better bell/pinion would it be a good idea to also get the HD clutch housing from Turtle?


EDIT: How can I get the broken piece of the bolt out? It has red loctite on it. There is no protruding piece.

 

[robmob]

Broken pinion bolts have plagued Baja's from day one.

Using a higher grade bolt will help, but the only real solution is the Turtle complete clutch setup that uses a larger bolt and larger bearing.

http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.4813/.f

If you are only going to replace the stock bell, do yourself a favor and get a Turtle steel bell at the very least.

http://www.davesmotors.com/s.nl/c.885035/n.1/it.A/id.4520/.f

 

[Cupooterluvr]

I was definitely going to get a new bell, since I doubt I could get the bolt out anyways. I'll probably get a metal clutch mount/housing later on but I just don't have the cash right now. I've got three yards lined up to mow tomorrow and Saturday so that's 60 bucks but I'll need more than that for a complete overhaul.

Thanks Rob.

EDIT: You're right. The only way to get rid of the problem completely is probably that clutch system. It'll be a couple weeks but I'll save up to get it for sure.

 

[Timmahh]

you can go up one size bolt too ( i think the current is an m3, you can drill and retap for an m4. i also strongly suggest the Turtle Racing Steel Clutch Bell. its made from one piece of steel, so no welds to break, and less possibility to become out of true.

they are pretty fairly pirced at 53.00. If you Really want to solve that issue, and upgrade the entire clutch system, i suggest you look at the new Turtle Racing HD Clutch system. its not for the faint of heart at 199.00, but once you see/hold i, and install it, then realize how many things it corrects. you ll find the 200.00 price cheap in comparrison of doing individual pieces.

to get the current broken bolt out.
heat with a torch to break down the red locktite. then use a small drill bit and drill the bolt from the inside of the CB. drill VERY VERY SLOW and the bit will likely grab the old bolt and turn it out.

 

[Cupooterluvr]

Thanks Timmah. I'll need a small loan for the clutch system but after looking at individual prices like you said it'll be the best choice overall.

What the problem is now is that the pinion has developed a sort of wedge shape that pushes it off the bell under power. I'll stock up on bolts from the hardware store until I can get that clutch system.

 

[KROGOTH]

I'm glad I never encountered any problems with my stock pinion/clutch bell. I highly reccomend the TR HD Clutch System. Its pricey but worth every dollar.