UniDrive Transaxle Differential Carrier Bearing Substitute Part

[jrc0528 20]

I found an old C-1xx (stickers are long faded/tattered and unreadable) on craigslist and bought it.  It had a 'worked on last fall' Kohler K241 10Hp and the 8 speed 1-1/8" axle rear end.  I checked fluids and found the engine oil was lightly used and ok, however there was a couple cups of water in the transaxle, no surprise since I already had checked and would a torn out shifter boot.  I negotiated a $140 deal for it (dead battery so couldn't check the engine either).  

 

 

I have now split open the transaxle, it's an 8 pinion (YAY!!) but the cage is torn out on one differential carrier bearing.

 

 

Yup, I need the no longer available WheelHorse #1533 bearing!!!!

 

 

The closest commomly available bearings are # R24, normally 1.5 ID x 2.625 OD x 0.5 W  (the original is 2.5 OD)

 

I planned to get one and grind it down on the lathe to the correct OD, but while searching eBay I found a MUCH BETTER option..  

 

MRC's R24FF bearing is 1.5 ID x 2.5 OD x 0.5625 W

 

That's right, it's only 1/16" wider than the original.  I have two on order right now and am anxiously awaiting putting them in and checking the fit!  Only thing difference is this is double metal shielded bearing, so I'll be popping out the shields prior to assembly and flushing out and assembly grease.

 

 

[SousaKerry 501]

Popping out the shield may make your balls fall out.    The original bearings used one of the shields to hold everything together.  So let us know how it goes.  If memory serves me there is a little meat on the inside of the case that could be machined out to accept the wider bearing.  Although one could turn the shoulder on the dif back easier if you have a lathe. 

[jrc0528 20]

I'll give the bearings a good look over when I get them in my hands.  Most bearings I've seen still have the normal cage tucked away inside the shields/seals, so there shouldn't be any worries there.  In my case the 1533 bearings didn't appear to be bottomed out in the machined pocket, but I'll use a depth gauge to check for sure.  My original bearings, and the ones in the last one I opens about 10 years ago are open bearings, meaning caged balls, no shields or seals.  This is important so that oil can flow out to the outer roller bearings.  

[stevasaurus 22,701]

Send a PM to "racinfool40"...he has some of those bearings that are used and in good shape.

[jrc0528 20]

Well...  my bearings came in yesterday...   I opened one and measured it with my calipers...  1.5" x 2.625" x 0.5625"       

 

 

Looks like I'll be complaining to the eBay seller...  On the other hand, dealing with a wider bearing won't be overly hard as the shoulder on the differential end caps can be rather easily turned wider on my lathe.  I will likely not however enjoy grinding the outer race of the bearing down to 2.5" OD.

 

Thanks for the tip stevasaurus, I think I'll try this as it sounds much faster and easier!  

[Desko 608]

Well how'd it work out?