42" SD deck pulley / spindle "safe" removal?

[Cee245 846]

Trying to replace noisy bearings on a 42" sd.  And check idler pulley etc.  

I'm soaking in Kroil currently.   

 

I want to be extra careful with the double pulley's. (This one has bagger system.)

 

Are there a few good tips you can share that have worked in the past WITHOUT damaging the pulley?

 

I use a 1/2" impact to get the blades off and top nut on spindle.  That is WAY easier than what I had to do 20 years ago! 

 

I've done several in the past, but I'm sure there are better methods out there..

 

Thanks!  

[Ed Kennell 42,170]

Some have had success using two nail puller bars hooked under the center hub  of the pulleys.

 

 

[WHX?? 51,909]

Can you get a bearing separator under them to try and pull more towards the centers? A bar puller using the holes on them? 

Be careful with the impact. A high test one can twist them off like a crank shaft flywheel nut. 

That can is your best friend keep soaking. 

[cleat 7,296]

This pulley was seized onto the shaft of a 42" RD I rebuilt this summer.

I applied lots of heat with an acetylene torch and the pulley loosened up.

 

 

This little torch kit has saved my bacon lots of times.

 

 

 

 

[peter lena 9,309]

@Cee245  done a number of those , wonder bar  is what you want ,@ ED KENNELL  critical  leverage point  is the deck to spindle bolts

UNDER , THE PULLEYS  , use the bolt tops as the leverage rocker ,  push both  bars at  the same time , push  in bars  to  spindle sleeve , to insure  solid secure push point . once doing that the pulleys come off  easily , kroil is killer . next step  I always do is to clean out and RE GREASE  those bearings , lucas 550 flash point grease , polyurea rated , no bearing whine , decks spin up with little effort , also do the mule drive bearings , same bearing . GOLD MINE  , opportunity  to eliminate a chronic issue , my decks rotate  by hand at PTO /  mule belt area . get r done , pete    

[Cee245 846]

I ordered a 2nd wonder bar.  

 

I've used one in the past on this, but didn't think to use 2 at same time! 

 

I'm limited using something like @cleat method because have a wood shed work shop.  I don't want it to burn down again 😩 

 

I do use a butane torch for heating stuff though

 

Edited August 12 by Cee245

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,522]

I made wooden boxes long enough to support the spindle assemblies from the bottom so the deck was off the floor.

Get 2 buddies, 2 wrecking bars and 2 sledge hammers.

One buddy applies pressure to the bottom of the pulley with wrecking bars.

Second buddy holds one sledge hammer on the spindle and nut.

With the second sledge hammer hit the first hammer with some authority. One good slam is better than 100 taps.

[peter lena 9,309]

@Cee245  when I first did it , did not use the  bolt tops , little response , the bolt tops  , enhance leverage and having the v of the rocker bar against the  spindle tube , centralize, fit makes for  little effort , then  equal  push out on the bars , make it easy . anytime I look at a  noisy deck today  , I know the cure , also added a  3" flat belt idler , behind belt  long UNSUPPORTED AREA , pushed it in maybe an inch , stops belt bounce , and helps bearings , drilled a hole in deck  for pulley mount , elastic lock nut . every detail , enhanced function , did these years ago , been fault free . also use tractor  supply  aramid belts , very solid , no belt fraying or wear . pete