976 replies to this topic

[larrybl]

I decided to try my method with the bearing splitter on the bottom race/ bearing, and had good luck with both, I was able to straighten the grease caps using a large socket, and drill out the busted zerk. They are fully dissembled and ready for me to order new bearings and races, but we all know what next week is, so there might be another delay.

I am good with that, I just feel relieved that these finally came apart with a minimum of damage.    

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[MH81]

Whew, that was a process... But worth it.
You will smile every time you put the mower to use now, remembering the battles fought to save the old girl.

[larrybl]

Should I leave the burring on the shafts, or have them polished before putting new bearings on them?

[Sawdust]

Glad everything finally worked out for you. You gave that HF puller a good workout. Seeing that thing bend I was worried it was going to explode.

[larrybl]

Glad everything finally worked out for you. You gave that HF puller a good workout. Seeing that thing bend I was worried it was going to explode.

Me too! It is still warped but functional. Was a trial for a while, but now I can move on with the deck lift and other items that just need sanded and painted. I didn't want to move on till I knew I could use the OEM mandrills. I was thinking about a plan (B) based on the Craftsman II 44" deck I have. I can still get mandrills for it so I was thinking I might be able to use the sealed mandrills and get longer blades (48") and figure out a new belt scheme. Luckily I shouldn't need to go that route now. 

[MH81]

Should I leave the burring on the shafts, or have them polished before putting new bearings on them?

Assuming you get decent bearings and use grease... You shouldn't need to do this again.
I would leave the knurling there as it was there for a reason. I think we ran some emery cloth on ours to make it easier to get on. We also kept the shafts in the freezer overnight and the bearings heated to 100ish to gain us all the microns we could.

[larrybl]

Again, good information! I will be ordering the same brand "Timkin".

[larrybl]

I'll leave the knurling there, and take the suggestion of freezing the shafts and warming the "new" bearings when I get them. Spent the day getting the mandrill flanges <-- "Hope the correct term" as true to straight as possible with a vice and hammer. Neighbor brought his toy out, so I went over to visit.

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[MH81]

They look much better.
Is that your neighbor's daily driver?

[larrybl]

They look much better.
Is that your neighbor's daily driver?

I have yet to go watch him race it, maybe this season.

[larrybl]

Not much to report with the Holidays and all. I had to go to town today to replace a couple tires on my car. I hit something on the way home Friday and put a 1" hole in the left front, and gashed the side wall on the rear. Thank goodness for a full size spare. Anyhow after the tires were replaced I stopped by Tractor supply and (from memory) picked up some carriage bolt hardware. After sorting and marking the packages with the manual part numbers, and checking off what I have on the diagrams I gathered some more parts and pulley to take with me next week along with the bearings and races. I should have the deck finished soon. Took a break, Grandson wanted a snack so I prepared some blow torch pop corn. Too cold and windy outside to fix this on the grill gas burner. Turned out surprisingly well.  

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[MH81]

Progress is progress. And it's always better with popcorn.

[larrybl]

While wire brushing the old bolts they were more rusted than I wanted. I could paint them but for a few dollars I can use new hardware. Especially the lock washers. Hopefully I can get the bearings and the rest of the hardware next week. Almost like putting a model together now. Tranny done, Deck almost there, Now to decide what I need to do next.

[MH81]

Sit on it and go vroom, vroom?

[larrybl]

  No place to sit yet. Still scattered around the shop.

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