42" SD Spindle Rejuvenation

[Bar Nuthin 2,507]

I didn't realize my main mower deck was so noisy until I put an older deck on a tractor I was selling and gave it a test run. The old deck was almost whisper quiet.

So, I pulled my main deck and sure enough the center spindle was spinning rough and growling at me. I had a bit of a fight getting the pulley off but finally got it apart. Just waiting on some NOS bearings that I found on eBay.

 

Question is - what is this part?  Flat washer? O-ring? - There appeared to be the slightest remnants of an O-ring, but hard to tell for sure.

 

Edited 5 hours ago by Bar Nuthin

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 12,265]

Different size deck but sounds like the same condition. Two page service bulletin

 

[cleat 8,986]

I have been installing an O ring at that location since I noticed that some come with it.

 

The grease coming up to the pulley might help keep it from seizing on though.

 

[Bill D 2,875]

I never use that oring.  Don't see the point.  As for bearings, I use Japanese 6203 bearings I found online.

[Bar Nuthin 2,507]

3 hours ago, gwest_ca said:

Different size deck but sounds like the same condition. Two page service bulletin

 

 

Thank you! That was spot on!

 

[peter lena 9,896]

@Bar Nuthin  since converting   my  mower deck spindles over to , lucas green chassis grease, have never had  any noise or related failures  , typically  all related bearings are  6203 type , with  easily  removed  side shields , same bearings in , mule  drive , BTW was just at a local small repair shop , had a 55 gal drum full of  frozen pulleys , chinese , fish oil lube , he was doing a similar  , bearing lubrication upgrade , was instantly on the same problem elimination mode . my  mule drive does not scream / struggle to  get things moving , never  wore out a disc , that entire  set up is a GOLD MINE , FOR IMPROVEMENTS . every movement stage , needs functional detailing , starting at  battery tray  lever start ? years in on this , quiet , smooth , easy , VERIFY EVERY STAGE , PETE