DECK PULLEY REMOVAL

[TDF5G 2,069]

I rebuilt 2 36" RD decks last weekend that have the old style 103119 bearing.  This particular deck in the pics has the cast iron pulleys.  I had read several threads about how to remove the pulleys.  So I thought I'd try the "whack it through" method.  Some posts suggested using a coffee can or concrete block for support under the deck.

 

 Here's how I did it:  I sprayed each pulley/bearing with PB Blaster for 5 days to soak.  Then, I built a box out of some scrap 2"x8" that I had using left over deck screws.  I removed the nuts from the carriage bolts that attach the spindle to the deck shell, placed the spindle (one at a time) in the box, (under the deck) and leveled up the deck with some scrap 2" x  pieces.  I screwed a bolt (not the original pulley bolt that goes back in) into the top of the spindle, held a ball peen hammer on the bolt head and smacked the ball peen with a 3 lb. mini-sledge.  Two of the spindles dropped through with one whack.  The third dropped with 2 whacks.  Easy peasy.    No damage to the pulleys or the spindle housings.  No worry about damaging the bearings because they get replaced anyhow.  

 

I took the spindles to my brother's shop and pressed in the new bearings using his 20 ton press.  Done.  The deck also got a new idler pulley, belt, and new wheels.  Sharpened the blades and she's ready to cut.

 

I had been dreading doing this because I know how hard the pulleys are to remove.  Not anymore.  I'm ready to rebuild a couple more decks now! 

 

Red Square is awesome.  It's the best forum on the interweb.  I've learned a lot from the great members here.  

Thanks, Todd.

P.S.  I found out my 1/4" cordless impact is great for driving deck screws.  It was sitting there handy so i used it. 

 

Edited April 14, 2020 by TDF5G

[peter lena 8,580]

tdf5g, good going on that! your pictures also helped , what you did was to detail , MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE . that is what moves rusted and frozen parts , did a couple of my decks a couple of years ago , and once i set up the steps needed , as you said you were ready to do more . i also regularly use my 3 lb hammer to define my intent . i use lucas red and tacky grease in those spindles and on my pto needle bearing , with a 550 drop point , there is no bearing issues.  pete 

[Pullstart 62,783]

Thanks for this Todd!  I have a beat up old 42” RD that I’m trying to get apart for the spindles and it’s laughing at me!  I’ll see about some scrap wood to help finish the job!

[TDF5G 2,069]

1 hour ago, pullstart said:

Thanks for this Todd!  I have a beat up old 42” RD that I’m trying to get apart for the spindles and it’s laughing at me!  I’ll see about some scrap wood to help finish the job!

I did one if those a couple of years ago, but I was able to remove the pulleys with a puller.  Those spindles are probably different.  But the pulleys can be removed in this same manner, taking precautions to not damage the spindle.  Use a block of hardwood or a brass drift or hammer when driving them off.

[TDF5G 2,069]

1 hour ago, peter lena said:

tdf5g, good going on that! your pictures also helped , what you did was to detail , MECHANICAL ADVANTAGE . that is what moves rusted and frozen parts , did a couple of my decks a couple of years ago , and once i set up the steps needed , as you said you were ready to do more . i also regularly use my 3 lb hammer to define my intent . i use lucas red and tacky grease in those spindles and on my pto needle bearing , with a 550 drop point , there is no bearing issues.  pete 

Thanks.  I reassemble everything with anti-sieze compound.

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

This is brilliant. Sorry if I am high jacking the thread, but I am trying to remove this pulley so I can add a double pulley: 

 

It is off of a 1990 48" side discharge deck.

I know there are two pulley types and was wondering if this is what yours looked like originally. Basically I am trying to figure out if I can hammer straight through or if I need to do something different. 

 

Edited April 12, 2020 by mmmmmdonuts

[TDF5G 2,069]

There is a groove in that type of pulley that you can use a power steering pump pulley remover tool.  You can find one at most any auto parts store or a place like Harbor Freight or online. 

[mmmmmdonuts 274]

Alright. Thank you. I wasn't sure exactly what method to use. Thank you very much

[Pullstart 62,783]

Just as soon as I figure out what decks will center in the press...

 

 

[TDF5G 2,069]

1 hour ago, pullstart said:

Just as soon as I figure out what decks will center in the press...

 

 

I actually had thought about this myself.  If only I had a large enough press that the deck would fit into....