MD180 Squeaking under Load and Axle off Center/Rubbing on Go

Purchased a used 2017 Outback with MD180. Used a few times in fresh water when purchased but now has developed a squeak under load. Upon closer examination, i can see that the Click and Go assemblies are rubbing the drums on both sides enough to cause marks on the drums and the drum shaft looks to be a little off center making it stick out farther on one side. I do not feel any grinding just the squeak that occurs app 98% of the time under load and the occasional clicking noise also under load. I have followed the MD10 bearing thread with interest and will be tearing down the drive to check these out. I am unsure what to do about the rubbing and drum shaft being uncentered. As info , there is adequate clearance between drums and Click and Go assemblies. If I pedal carefully the drums do not come in contact with e Click and Go assemblies on either side but the drive still squeaks as I do this. Any helpful ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Tap the drum shaft with a mallet to center it.

Lubrication, especially at the forward ends of the sprockets.

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

Thanks! Just so I am clear, what is the forward end of the sprocket?

Each fin has a chain that runs around the toothed sprocket. There are bearings in the front and rear of each. You should be able to get lubrication into the gaps at each point between sprockets and the spine cover.

There is an old lubrication FAQ which may help: https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=60&t=12577

_________________
Matt Miller
Former - Director of Parts and Accessory Sales
Warranty and Technical Support
Hobie Cat USA
(Retired 11/7/2022)

I've got this exact same issue, have you been able to fix yours? One of my (what I thought were) centering posts broke off and I thought that was letting it get a bit off center thus allowing it to rub (https://www.hobie.com/forums/viewtopic. ... 239d8926f7) but I was told that is not the cause.

Kevin

Funny you say that, I also have a broken alignment pin on one side. I took the upper portion of the drive apart, cleaned and regreased all bearings on drums, pulley and chains. I also sprayed wd40 into all the small openings in the spine where I could see the needle bearings inside and exercised the drive to spread the lubrication. I then centered shaft with a mallet. Everything was silent when I took it for a test run for app. 2 hours. I think i heard a little squeaking just as I was heading in but I didnt have time to verify. Hopefully I will get out again this week to check it out...