Idler Puller 109450 Bearing Replacement?

[Fergus 62]

Hi guys. I live in the UK where 30 year old WH parts are hard to come by. I'd like to replace the bearing in the idler pulley but I can't figure out how to split it. I know you're supposed to bin it and fit a new one but I can't find a new one and I know that bearing will be £5. I was hoping to drill out some spot welds and bolt it back together but I can't see any welds. Any thoughts please? Cheers! Fergus

[Handy Don 12,174]

You are absolutely on the right track. The welds are there but not easily seen. There was a part of a thread not too long ago by @prondzy who refurbished several idler pulleys using your plan.

 

I found that article by searching for "idler pulley bolt" (use all my search terms set "on"; search "topics") and found it. You can do it too!

 

The topic is here.

 

[WHX?? 48,801]

I have a thread also.

Holy cow that's an old thread I better go back and update it with some things I learned since but have since forgotten!  

 

If haven't done so Fergus 

Edited February 9, 2022 by WHX??

[Fergus 62]

Thank you Don. I'll take a look. I should have searched of course. Cheers!

[peter lena 8,588]

@Fergus  if you are going to rebuild / replace that bearing , before installing that bearing , carefully remove the rubber side shields with a pocket screwdriver , wipe out original grease , flush with carb cleaner , and repack it , to the same amount, with a HI TEMP GREASE . most of those small bearings have a generic  low temp grease , causing failure / noise. a repack with hi temp , over 500 deg grease , will insure your work , pete  

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,036]

I just destroyed a pulley trying to replace a bearing. I think I can see the spot welds around the bearing on yours which looked similar to mine. Got them drilled but out where the belt runs and the two halves meet this one was also welded all the way around with a continues weld that can not be seen. Probably done with some type of induction welding.

 

What I wish I had tried is to cut the metal off one side leaving one side of the bearing outer race exposed. Replace the bearing and drill 3 or 4 holes through the pulley right next to the bearing. Use a round, button or truss head machine screw with Nylock nuts to retain them. The heads of the screws should hold the bearing in.

 

If the bearing is a 6203 with a metric 17mm ID there are bushings available to reduce the ID to the bolt size. The 6203 is also available with 5/8" or 3/4" bore.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/ball-bearings/product/PA1000001157

 

Flanged bushing inserts

https://www.princessauto.com/en/idler-sprocket-bushings/product/PA1000001195?skuId=8070674

[Fergus 62]

Thank you. I was considering grinding the bearing retainer lip, replacing the bearing and machining a cap to retain the bearing. I'll let you know what I do.

[WHX?? 48,801]

32 minutes ago, gwest_ca said:

welded all the way around

I've seen those as well and thought if a guy had access to a lathe chuck it up and take the weld out. 

 

28 minutes ago, Fergus said:

grinding the bearing retainer lip, replacing the bearing and machining a cap to retain the bearing.

That's  not a bad idea either Fergie. You go that route keep us posted please. 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,036]

57 minutes ago, WHX?? said:

I've seen those as well and thought if a guy had access to a lathe chuck it up and take the weld out.  

Problem is the weld is inside about 1/8". You would have the pulley cut in half getting to it.

[Fergus 62]

1 minute ago, gwest_ca said:

Problem is the weld is inside about 1/8". You would have the pulley cut in half getting to it.

Thanks for the heads up. I won't attempt that route!

[WHX?? 48,801]

2 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Problem is the weld is inside about 1/8".

Interesting I have yet to run into that. Must be induction welded then. I would suspect if it's a backside belt idler they don't want the belt running on a rough outside weld? 

I see you have met Pete Fergus... he is our resident lubrication specialist. 

Edited February 10, 2022 by WHX??

[wallfish 16,987]

That looks like an awfully wide pulley and appears like you could run two 5/8" wide belts side by side through that thing. What's that idler for?

 

[WHX?? 48,801]

Does look wide but late model deck idler 'Fish? .... Fergie? 

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,036]

Listed for some rear engine riders

https://www.partstree.com/parts/toro-109450/

[Fergus 62]

Fixed it! I think the pictures explain themselves.

[Handy Don 12,174]

1 hour ago, Fergus said:

Fixed it! I think the pictures explain themselves.

 

 

Brilliant. Well done.

[peter lena 8,588]

@Fergus  NICE LOOKING FINISH , did you get to re grease that bearing ? those are the wide rubber side shields that make that easy . pete

[Fergus 62]

7 minutes ago, peter lena said:

@Fergus  NICE LOOKING FINISH , did you get to re grease that bearing ? those are the wide rubber side shields that make that easy . pete

I did thanks. That's a premium make bearing though and it was already well greased. Good tip.

[peter lena 8,588]

@Snoopy11 ,  the deference in bearing stability , and noise / function with a hi temp anti sling is amazing . just very solid and smooth . those side shields , are what i look for in any bearing , greasy , pete

[Snoopy11 5,714]

16 minutes ago, peter lena said:

@Snoopy11 ,  the deference in bearing stability , and noise / function with a hi temp anti sling is amazing . just very solid and smooth . those side shields , are what i look for in any bearing , greasy , pete

Yes sir. I just used some of that Lucas grease yesterday. LOVE that stuff. Red and tacky baby!

 

Don

[peter lena 8,588]

@Snoopy11  another neat thing about red n tacky ,is that it comes in a aerosol can , small extension nozzle , for tight spots , pete

[Jayzauto 89]

On 2/9/2022 at 9:12 PM, gwest_ca said:

Listed for some rear engine riders

https://www.partstree.com/parts/toro-109450/

 

 

@gwest_ca   Although I don't have the tractor or my manuals handy, That looks like the Idler pulley found on my 265 series 38" cutting decks.  It is Very wide and pricey as I recall.  I've been fortunate enough to have spare decks to grab pulleys from.  And they don't seem to last very long, ,aybe due to the size.  And like Pete, I also use the Red_N_Tacky grease packed in there.

 

I like the solution Fergus has found.... Was that collar machined or purchased??

 

Thanx, Jay

[WHX?? 48,801]

Thinkin Fergie is pretty handy around machine tools Jayz. 

[Fergus 62]

4 hours ago, Jayzauto said:

 

 

@gwest_ca Was that collar machined or purchased??

 

 

I work at a classic car workshop and I'm very fortunate to have a machine shop at my disposal. I can't take any credit for the design or machining of the collar.