biged77 113 #1 Posted December 23, 2015 I am replacing the spindle bearings on a 414-8 42" RD mower deck. When I disassembled the center spindle I noticed the bottom bearing was missing the snap ring. When I replaced the bearings the bottom bearing would not recess into the spindle housing far enough to allow a snap ring to be installed. I am thinking that either no snap ring is required or the center spacer is too long to allow the bottom bearing to recess into the housing. Has anyone else had this problem? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
daveoman1966 3,745 #2 Posted December 23, 2015 (edited) There should certainly be a snap-ring on the bottom end of the spindle assy. Here is a pic that may help. I have a few of these housings if you need a replacement. contact me directly at this email address: daveoman@windstream.net Edited December 23, 2015 by daveoman1966 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biged77 113 #3 Posted December 23, 2015 Thanks Daveoman 1966. I'll remove the bearings and see what the problem is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
doc724 925 #4 Posted December 24, 2015 When you disasembled the spindle, there should have been a 3/16 inch or so thick special bushing under the dust cap on the bottom (blade side) of the housing. If that bushing was missing (I had two spindles on a deck that someone forgot to reinstall them) then the dust cap will ride on the magnesium housing and wear it away to the point where the snap ring will fall out. Take a look at your old housings and compare it to the pix sent by Daveoman. If the bottom of your housings are not squarish like in Davoman's pix, that bushing was not in place. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
biged77 113 #5 Posted December 24, 2015 I removed one of the other housings and compared it to the center one. The center one was worn down like you described. The center snap ring which was missing was found lying loose in the dust cap. The only difference is that the bushing was not missing, maybe something got stuck between the dust cap and the housing and wore it down. At any rate I bought a "spare" 312-8 a few years ago with a 42" SD and will see if I can scavenge some housings from it to finish the deck refurb. Thanks for the help guys. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,049 #6 Posted December 24, 2015 Glad you were able to get a prompt solution to your problem; great folks on here. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
