I can't believe that when I built this tank I did not replace the bushings with bearings in the idler wheel. I have done on so many other builds of this type chassis. But after 10 years, when doing some maintenance to get ready for Danville, I noticed some wobble in the rear idlers and decided to take them apart and was surprised to see bushings. Luckily, I had the right size bearings and quickly replaced the bushings, needless to say, the wheels roll better! I think the idler shaft is showing a little wear as well.
With all the battles over 10 years this tank has held up!
I might need to replace my cutting mat, too!
I
the 10 year old bushings
what it looked like with the old nasty bushings
all apart to add the bearings
with the new bearings installed
replaced the set screws as they were getting wore out and harder to tighten, this is the right side
same for the left side