Toro 06-42ST07 bearing questions

[JerryLook 73]

I have a Toro 06-42ST07 snow blower on my 416H tractor. I’ve been using this blower for a few years now and really like it. Recently I noticed the shaft that has the pulley on one end and sprocket on the other (I think it’s called the driveshaft) has some side to side play. I can see it kind of slide from side to side while operating the blower. Maybe around an 1/8” of movement. 
 

Looking at the IPC for the blower, I see there is a bearing and bearing locking collar. I’m wondering if it’s probably the bearings getting loose, or maybe the locking collar. I do keep those bearings greased up. 
 

I’m assuming the bearings are just worn. It’s like $15 a side to replace them, so not bad 

 

Second question. How about greasing the auger bearings? There are no zerk fittings. Are people taking the end plates off the grease those bearings or what?

 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,168]

If the bearing has a separate locking collar if installed correctly will lock the inner race of the bearing to the shaft so it does not wear the shaft.

Loosen the set screw in the collar and with a drift punch inserted into a extra hole in the collar drive the collar around the shaft in the direction of normal rotation until tight. Tighten set screw. It jambs the inner race of the bearing to the shaft.

 

The auger bearings are sealed so should be good for the life of the bearing. Could pop the seals and add grease but the shaft has to be removed to get to them. Not a bad idea so a never seize compound can be added where necessary to make future service easier.

[JerryLook 73]

Thanks. Maybe I’ll mess with the auger bearings once snow season is over. The driveshaft bearings I’m going to keep a close eye on. If it starts to move around more than it’s doing now I’ll have to mess with it. 
 

I’ve been using the snowblower a lot this season already. 

[ri702bill 8,654]

19 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Loosen the set screw in the collar and with a drift punch inserted into a extra hole in the collar drive the collar around the shaft in the direction of normal rotation until tight. Tighten set screw. It jambs the inner race of the bearing to the shaft.

 

In any of the equipment I designed, I avoided that eccentric locking collar style bearing like the plague. It will loosen if the rotation is reversed. It can loosen under repeated shock load. It must be cammed in the proper rotation; many instances of correct assembly at the factory, but a failure after service due to improper rotation...... Even most of my Customers forbid the use of them..

Edited January 29 by ri702bill

[WHX?? 49,693]

4 hours ago, ri702bill said:

avoided that eccentric locking collar style bearing

I beg to differ Bill ... at least on  snow blowers. I have five of them all with these bearings and never had a failure unless it was just a plain old worn out bearing. Yes they do have to be installed right ... see below. 

 

When you can afford some down time with it Jerry disassemble and check all bearings. Idler sprockets too while your at it. Antisieze is a great idea. Blowers can brown weld quite easily. The thing I have found out is the frozen water (snow) can wash the grease right out of bearings.

Toro Technician Tips Eccentric Collar quality_tips_june.pdf

[WHX?? 49,693]

12 hours ago, JerryLook said:

I’ve been using the snowblower a lot this season already. 

i wish ... I have three rigs all nicely set up and ready to go. Had to use them once and probably didn't need to but to run last years gas out. Now we are are on the down side of the season already. 

[ri702bill 8,654]

8 hours ago, WHX?? said:

Yes they do have to be installed right .

And therein lies the problem - 2 actually. Must be installed in the proper direction, must be properly torqued. Two areas of potential failure avoided by NOT using that style bearing.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,168]

With Parts Tree wanting $111 for one bearing and collar it makes the same parts from a farm supply that much more attractive.