kadetklapp 1 #1 Posted August 2, 2011 Well after getting my tractor running and doing a little test mowing last night, I realized that my eyes were not deceiving me, that my left front wheel is pointing a tad bit out of alignment. After getting it back in the garage I realize that there is literally one more thread's worth of room to go on the tie-rod and that the spindle shafts are wallowed out pretty bad, floating around in a sea of grease in the front axle. Basically, it would appear that the tractor needs new spindles and a new front axle assembly. It never ends, I guess. Something owners of "new" used tractors should certainly check. :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #2 Posted August 3, 2011 So evidently I am the only person on Red Square with axle problems. Anywho, I'm currently debating purchasing new spindles in the meantime just to see if that improves the situation. I cannot really tell if the axle housing is wallowed out or if the spindles themselves are wore thin. I wish I had a micrometer and the specs to check, but I don't. I'll keep shopping for a cheaper NOS axle however. I just don't want to pay $200 for one at the moment. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,346 #3 Posted August 3, 2011 What is the model number on your tractor? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,346 #5 Posted August 3, 2011 Plenty of good used axles around. NOS will be hard to find and expensive. If you were close to me, I'd give you one. Chances are, your spindles are shot. I've purchased several on eBay with good results. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #6 Posted August 3, 2011 Plenty of good used axles around. NOS will be hard to find and expensive. If you were close to me, I'd give you one. Chances are, your spindles are shot. I've purchased several on eBay with good results. Thanks very much. I'm willing to get some spindles but I'm still wondering if I should micrometer the inside diameter of the axle to make sure I don't ruin my new spindles in a shot axle... Oh well, just may live dangerously. After mowing all evening yesterday, the left front wheel is definitely thinking it's NASCAR :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Shuboxlover 481 #7 Posted August 3, 2011 I have a good used front axle if you end up needing one :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 45 #8 Posted August 3, 2011 Plenty of good used axles around. NOS will be hard to find and expensive. If you were close to me, I'd give you one. Chances are, your spindles are shot. I've purchased several on eBay with good results. Thanks very much. I'm willing to get some spindles but I'm still wondering if I should micrometer the inside diameter of the axle to make sure I don't ruin my new spindles in a shot axle... Oh well, just may live dangerously. After mowing all evening yesterday, the left front wheel is definitely thinking it's NASCAR Have you taken the wheel of and checked the wheel bearings They could be shot! I had one go bad caused a wobble in the front axle. Cheaper than spindles, and axle. Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #9 Posted August 3, 2011 do you have a piece of round stock hanging around,all my tractors have 3/4 spindles,so take a peice of round bar and slide it in the hole,and wiggle it around,if you dont have metal a peice of dowel can be had at a local hardware store to check if its out of round,and you can get spindles for about 25 bucks plus shipping,i got some here on the square when i converted my 308 to 8 inch rims Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #10 Posted August 4, 2011 No bearings to be found on this tractor in the front end. I don't have any round stock, I'll try something similar though. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #11 Posted August 4, 2011 From what I've seen, generally the spindles wear more than the bores in the axle. If you wanted the really good fix you could have a machineshop open up the bores in the axle to accept some bronze bushes. I'm sure it would cost less than a new front axle. From what I remember, front spindles are about $65 apiece from Toro? Doesnt seem to be horrendously expensive if you plan on keeping the tractor for some years, and might be preferable to playing the lottery on used spindles on ebay. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WH854 45 #12 Posted August 4, 2011 No bearings to be found on this tractor in the front end. I don't have any round stock, I'll try something similar though. You must have one of a kind front end on that tractor. All my tractors have front wheel bearings 2 on each front wheel. Chas Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #13 Posted August 4, 2011 No bearings to be found on this tractor in the front end. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,346 #14 Posted August 4, 2011 Well, I've had it apart and have not seen a bearing yet in the spindle, and there is not one shown on the exploded parts diagram. #11 is your wheel bearing. You don't have any of these? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chazm 413 #15 Posted August 4, 2011 I realized that my eyes were not deceiving me, that my left front wheel is pointing a tad bit out of alignment. This sounds like a wheel bearing issue, So you jack the front end up and pull the front wheels off to check the condition of the bearings?? Looking at Bob posted pics of the wheel assy, there are no wheel berings ?? <_< As Sorewiki stated the front spindles going into the axle do not have bearings, if they are worn out ( egged shaped) the axle can be taken to a machine shop and they can install sleeves. And if the spindles are as bad as you say you won't need to mic. them ,you will see the grooves worn into the spindle. Chaz :D Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,193 #16 Posted August 4, 2011 I found it was cheaper to buy a 7/8" construction reamer and 3/4 ID x 7/8 OD x 3" bronze bushings to sleeve the axle. It was about $40 for the reamer and about $9 for the bushings. The construction reamer self centers so you can use it in a drill. No machine shop required, just your mouse and a drill. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #17 Posted August 4, 2011 Well, I've had it apart and have not seen a bearing yet in the spindle, and there is not one shown on the exploded parts diagram. #11 is your wheel bearing. You don't have any of these? Yes, I have those, but I'm referring to where the spindle slides into the axle is where all the play and wobble is. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Duff 206 #18 Posted August 4, 2011 Yes, I have those, but I'm referring to where the spindle slides into the axle is where all the play and wobble is. OK, I think I see the confusion - no problem. The spindles themselves where they pass through the axle don't have any bushings or bearings. The suggestion Wallfish makes sounds like a very good fix. As to the wheel bearings in the wheels themselves, those do wear out and need occasional replacement, so I'd check those in addition to whatever remedy you decide on for the axle/spindle issues. Duff :woohoo: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #19 Posted August 4, 2011 Right on then. I will probably replace those bearings (and no, I didn't realize they were there till it was pointed out to me) for good measure, since they are a bit loose. But the main issue is the spindles themselves are completely shot, and the wheels are towing out badly even with the tie rod extended as far as it can go. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rmaynard 16,346 #20 Posted August 4, 2011 Here is my suggestion. If you can remove the shaft that mounts the draw bar hitch on the back of the tractor, that is 3/4" diameter, the same as the spindles. Clean any rust off of it, and put it into the hole in the axle and see how much play you have. A tiny amount is okay as you have to be able to turn the spindles. If it is a fairly good fit, then you needn't worry about the axle, just get some replacement spindles. Just my 2 cents worth. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wallfish 18,193 #21 Posted August 4, 2011 The wheel side of the spindle is 3/4" too so you could use that side to check the axle for wear. I would guess if the spindles are that worn then the axle probably is too. It was probably never greased. For some reason I can't find the link for the reamer I bought but will post the link when found. Search results show costs around $80 to $95 but I know I didn't pay that. EDIT: found it, but it's $50. http://www.buydrillbits.com/products/hss/reamers.php Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Horse Fanatic 51 #22 Posted August 5, 2011 there are many models that use the same axle and spindles and many of these are being parted out. Most people don't need a new axle so they are not expensive. I have some I'd give away too. If you look around you can find a good used one for free or next to nothing. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kadetklapp 1 #23 Posted August 5, 2011 Well I'm going to give spindles a try, but they are all over the place in price, both new and used. And some of the "new old stock" ones look used worse than a real used one! I'm not sure what to do. It's almost $100 just for a pair of spindles and not counting bearings and tie rods. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
can whlvr 994 #24 Posted August 6, 2011 as i stated earlier that you could try in the wanted area,i have had good luck with the members here and it wont cost you near 100 bucks,for the tie rods you can simply wire them up for the time being,i have lots of rods tied with wire,till you can get new ones or make new ones,theres some posts about fabbing your own,i dont remember all the threads but i know duff made a real nice set Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
