Mirage Drive 180 Replace and Repair Bearing Races?

Any folks have experience with these? Wouldn't you have to relocate the 180 switching thread to install?
Something definitely needs to be fixed on these bearing races.


https://www.amazon.com/Mirage-Sprocket-Replacement-Upgrade-Repair/dp/B0B9RZ6VXR/ref=sr_1_1?crid=HH3J99Y4JEWL&keywords=Mirage+Drive+repair&qid=1688490290&sprefix=mirage+drive+repair%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-1#customerReviews

I don't have a 180 drive and I'm not sure exactly what your question is.

If you are looking to replace the 180 sprockets in that Amazon link, you can buy knock-offs (shipped from Singapore) for half the price of the authentic Hobie parts, and free shipping. Since I don't have a 180 drive, so I haven't tried the sprockets, but I have tried the drive chains, and they're top-notch--at least as good as authentic Hobie. If you're interested, let me know, and I'll see if I can find the website...

I ordered an idler cable from the same seller.  I cant find a USA based Hobie dealer who has a genuine idler cable in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A1WXF9KVMDM17T&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I'm not sure I did the right question on these. Would you have to redo the 180 reverse strings when installing them? I have also heard of folks using bungee cord to replace the idler cable.

I had a pitted track again recently that was destroying any replacement roller bearings I replaced so I considered this upgrade.

I asked my buddy about running those 180 lines and he said there was a way to tie knots in them to make running them again easier but I was hesitant to try this out.

I ended up making PVC bushings to replace the rollers and it has been working fine so far.

I ended up making PVC bushings to replace the rollers and it has been working fine so far.

I'm not sure what the "rollers" are on the 180 drive, but I use nylon rods to replace the delrin bearings on my GT drives, and I highly recommend it, as it is much quieter and no dirt-attracting lube of any type is needed.

Also, I've been using a bungee cord in place of the idler pulley cable for a couple years and that works great too. Again, that's for the GT drive, though...

I ordered an idler cable from the same seller.  I cant find a USA based Hobie dealer who has a genuine idler cable in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A1WXF9KVMDM17T&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

The same company that sells those red chain/cables also sells other things, like the 180 drive metal sprockets, although those do not seem to be on Amazon. Their prices appear to all be 1/2 or less of what Hobie charges.

I ordered an idler cable from the same seller.  I cant find a USA based Hobie dealer who has a genuine idler cable in stock.
https://www.amazon.com/s?me=A1WXF9KVMDM17T&marketplaceID=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Btw, has anybody tried those stainless steel sprockets? I'm tempted to upgrade...

I have been using Mark Goss' replacement bearings, available on Etsy, for almost a year now and have experienced no noise! Best money spent on the 180 drive!

So the Hobie recommended fix for a broken sprocket is to replace the entire spine.  So, I ordered a new spine (MD 180 with Kick up fins) and the vendor sent a spine fully equipped with the idler roller and two new drums.  So, last night I put all of the remaining parts on the new spine and interestingly, the original chain cables were not long enough.  I swapped out the chains from another drive and same thing.  Then I got to measuring - why would they not fit?  Turns out, this new spine has about 1/4" more length from the base of the sprocket to the ridge the sprocket housing is attached to than on both of my older drives (one with KU fins, one MD 180 w/o). 

Has anyone experienced this before?  I havent had the chance yet to look if Hobie makes longer chains, or if you can add a chain link or two to add room.  Also, I wonder if the knock-off chains on amazon are a bit longer?  I just need another half inch to an inch of length to make up for the longer trip around the sprocket.  Seems messed up.  I ordered the spine from Sunjammers in Florida.  Got here quick and the quality seemed perfect. 

my buddy says there may be a larger drum on new spines? This may be the issue you are having.

The red cables I have from amazon seem to have pretty long screw sections, lmk if you need a measurement.