ondeadlin 32 #1 Posted April 15, 2023 Well, fellas, I went to attach the roto tiller today, and as soon as I pulled out of the garage to position the tractor to back up to the tiller, I could feel that something was off. Did a walk-around and this is what I saw at the front wheel. I have never done a wheel hub fix/replacement/repair. I searched for a thread or wiki here that would help, but could not find one. I’d appreciate any thoughts/help/suggestions you can offer. Jim 2 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,456 #2 Posted April 15, 2023 Looks like your wheel bearings have let go. At minimum you'll need a good used wheel for that side. To really dive in and replace everything (as you should) you'll want 2 good used wheels, preferably with good tires. That'll save you the work of mounting and dismounting. The actual job is pretty straightforward. Get a good jack under the frame near the front. The wheels are held on by one bolt each. CLEAN the spindle and inspect it carefully. Look for scoring on the spindle where that bad bearing was riding. Spindles are also a fairly easy repair. More nuts n bolts. While there inspect the tie rods. Now's the time to replace a worn tie rod too. No worries on level of difficulty. Pop it apart. Clean it up. Take more pics. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ri702bill 8,316 #3 Posted April 15, 2023 That wheel MAY be salvagable IF you did not ride on it that way too long.... The flanged ball bearings are readily available. @ebinmaine Eric brings up a very valid piont - IF the inner race(s) spun on the spindle.... the spindle might either need to be repaired, preferably replaced. All told, about a "two beer" job... 1 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,080 #4 Posted April 15, 2023 9 minutes ago, ri702bill said: . All told, about a "two beer" job... At the big show that's a " 2 case" job to keep all of the bystanders from giving you a hard time in the camping area. 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 67,456 #5 Posted April 15, 2023 1 hour ago, squonk said: 2 case You may be thinking a little light.... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,751 #6 Posted April 15, 2023 You can save that wheel. Pop out both bearings. Find a socket that will just fit the hub on inside...tap it in if necessary... hold it there with a short extension. Gradually hammer around the perimeter... till the hub is bent back toward round. If necessary, do this again with a smaller socket, until a new 1-3/8 flanged axle bearing will tap firmly into place. I've done this a few times... As others have written... inspect the spindle shaft for damage... right where the inner wheel bearing rides on it. 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ondeadlin 32 #7 Posted April 30, 2023 Just wanted to say thanks to everyone. I had to put the wheel project on the shelf after this post because I had a crisis blow up at work, and I haven't gotten back to it, but I'll update when I do (hopefully next weekend). 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lee1977 6,657 #8 Posted April 30, 2023 I would not try to save that wheel if the spindle is not already damaged. Been there done that and destroyed a spindle. Fix it with trailer spindles hubs and wheels. Saved the good wheel and used it on my 1989 520 when I got it. That same right wheel on it was bad . Both bad wheels are on the back of a home made wagon I added a shim and drove some bushings in. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
