New spindle bearings - Snap ring groove gone!

[scoob8000 29]

So I'm replacing spindle bearings in one of the spindles on my 48" SD deck.  

 

After spending 45 minutes trying to find my snap ring pliers, I realized I didn't need them!

 

The snap ring was in the "dust cap" at the bottom of the shaft packed with gunk.   It looks like something wore away the bottom of the spindle housing, the groove for the snap ring isn't even there anymore.

The bottom bearing was also missing balls, nowhere to be found.   Who knows what the previous owner did!

 

Anyway, I put it all back together sans snap ring.   Think I'll be okay long as I keep an eye on it?   I imagine these new bearings will fail prematurely...

In fact this was the middle spindle, I'm going to move it to the outside for easier access next time. 

[cleat 5,809]

The snap ring is what keeps the shaft up in position.

With it gone your shaft could drop until the pulley is rubbing the top of the spindle housing.

 

You could use it for now but keep an eye out for used spindles or buy a new one for $47.36 from mowerpartpros.com

 

 

[scoob8000 29]

I'm going to eventually replace it.    Gonna try it for now.  Over the winter I'll go thru the whole thing..

 

That doesn't sound like a bad price for a new spindle.  I didn't even realize they were available new still.

My buddy says he has a older 36" RD deck I can have for parts (the deck is pretty rotted).   Wonder if they're the same.    I never looked closely at it, but I seem to recall it has the same attach-a-matic mounts on it.

[pfrederi 17,662]

That price is just the housing.. The bearings shaft etc. are much more.

[cleat 5,809]

Yes, that is just the spindle but that is where the snap ring goes.

If the shaft is still good that may be all you need.

[moe1965 737]

I have cut a new groove in a shaft with a hacksaw.  You might have to use a smaller clip though.  

[scoob8000 29]

Correct, I just need a spindle housing.  The shaft and other innards looks fine.  $47 still seems to be a fair price. 

 

I put it back together as is for now, but will be ordering a new housing soon.

 

Moe1965,   I'm thinking you might have a different spindle setup.  On mine the snap ring goes into the bottom of the spindle housing to hold the lower bearing in..

 

 

[doc724 925]

Another reason for the snap ring groove being gone is that there is supposed to be a 1/4 thick spacer under the dust cap on the spindle.  The spacer presses on the lower bearing inner race and when you tighten up the nut on the pulley, all the inner races are pulled tight and rotate while the outer races are pressed into the housing.  As a result the bearings work the way they were supposed to.  I took a deck apart a couple of years ago and two of the spindle assemblies were missing this spacer.  The snap ring groove was still there, but not much meat left to grab it.  Good thing I had other spindle assemblies I salvaged to make  a couple of good ones.  Get an IPL (illustrated parts list) for your deck and you will see the spacer.  I think yours maybe missing as well

[scoob8000 29]

doc724,

 

The spacer is there on the spindle in question.  It was down in the "cup" along with the snap ring and packed full of grease and debris.

 

I'm thinking the PO had things apart at some point.  The lower bearing was actually missing 3-4 balls.  I don't see how they would have fit out anywhere.   Maybe they replaced the shaft/spacer?   Who knows.  This parts mower the deck came from reminds me of the carfax commercial where the dog drives the truck into a pond.   It was so rough and jerry rigged, who knows what the PO did with it.  LOL

 

I just replaced those bearings as is for now, replaced the plastic spacers in the idler bar and going to run it til the end of summer.   She's gonna need a belt too, but might as well get a few more months of cutting out of her.