How do I

[persof 14]

All,

Today I recieved a 36" deck from a generous Redsquare member and I wand to restore it. Its in pretty good shape so most of my efforts will be towards sanding and painting. My question.

I am trying to remove the spindles and cannot. I removed the blades and a nut on the shaft by the greese zerk.

How do I remove the shaft from the spindle? see the pic

Thanks

Francis

[dgjks6 6]

Step 1 - go buy some PB Blaster or equivalent penetrating fluid

Step 2 - remove belt

Step 3 - apply the penetrating fluid to everything

Step 4 - find a good place to work where you can stand the deck on its side, face up or face down as needed

Step 5 - go get a drink and come back tomorrow

Step 6 - apply more penetrating fluid

Step 7 - use 1 1/8 socket with a long handle to remove blade nut and remove blade - use a block of wood underneath to secure blade and a long extension to remove nut

Step 8 - bandage all wounds.

Step 9 - remove nut from top of pulley

Step 10 - remove pulley

Step 11 - remove three bolts holding spindle in place.

[Butch 194]

When it comes to removing stubborn nuts and bolts I revert to my old trusty air impact wrench. These things just don't turn. They hammer as they turn and many times I don't need a wrench on the other end to work. I was truly amazed how many years I spent with cheater bars when I found out how well air tools work!!

Francis it is something you can always consider down the road if you don't have air tools. You don't need no super dooper tank and compressor.

I had the same problem you did and that sucker spun right off!!

Butch

S. Jersey

[rickv1957 70]

I had the same problem you did and that sucker spun right off!!

The impact is great,been there and done that! Rick

[persof 14]

Sorry, I ended up sending a pic of the one where I was able to remove the top nut. But, I cannot remove the spindle shaft. Does the pulley unscrew off or what?

Thanks

Francis

[catman81056 3]

I ended up tapping the 2 holes in the pulley then using a wheel puller. If you go that route, be sure to remove the grease zerk and put the nut back on(part way) to protect the threads.

[dgjks6 6]

There are no threads. It should just pull off. But when it doesn't you can thread the holes and use a puller as suggested, or just use a hammer and try to remove it. This can damage the pulley so be careful.

[W9JAB 156]

I picked up an electric impact wrench

works very well never had it fail me. :thumbs:

[catman81056 3]

There are no threads. It should just pull off. But when it doesn't you can thread the holes and use a puller as suggested, or just use a hammer and try to remove it. This can damage the pulley so be careful.

See that big nut holding the pulley on? Screw the threads up taking the pulley off and you'll be looking for a new spindle.

[persof 14]

Tim,

What do you mean by "tapping the 2 holes in the pulley" The pulley is essentially sheet metal; if I tap it and put a thread in it would likely give way under stress

It looks to me like a puller with the right jaws could grab under a lip on the pully assy that is just under the big nut. I plan to buy a puller and try tomorrow.

Thanks

Francis

[catman81056 3]

Try finding a puller for removing the pulleys on power steering pumps and alternators. If you can find the right size. Regaurdless of how you do it, protect the threads. Threading the holes and using the steering wheel puller along with some heat on the pulley boss should pop it right off. Just remember to protect the threads.

[persof 14]

Two are apart with PB Blaster and care full hammer taps. The left hand one moved a quarter of an inch and no more, so far

Thanks

Francis

[WheelHorse_of_course 99]

Tap it back on again and then try again. :thumbs: