spindle grease fitting rubbing

[hldurham 1]

I noticed on my center spindle it is rubbing somewhere and wore down the grease fitting on my center spindle. Has anyone else had this happen and is there a way to stop this?Its a  42” side discharge deck.

[MalMac 1,332]

Yes it's a problem, I think it's more prevalent on the 48's. What I have done, which is a pain when it comes to greasing. I have taken the zerk out until it's time to grease it again. I have had them wear totally off and have had them break off. Then it becomes a big problem if it breaks. Maybe someone else will chime in here with a better idea.

[tunahead72 2,553]

A couple of other ideas here:

 

Or this (better parts diagram):

 

[doc724 925]

I had the same problem.  My permanent solution was to replace the bearings with seals on both sides and get rid of the zerk.  Not the most cost effective solution but if you have to replace bearings anyway...

[jay bee 915]

I agree with doc724.  Had the same problem on a 48" deck but it needed new bearings anyway and replaced them with bearings that were sealed on both sides.  Bought the bearings at  a local Bearing Supply outlet and didn't see any difference in price when compared to the greaseable bearings.  So far, so good.

[Tankman 3,523]

I've watched my 48" SD decks and when in the raised position, pull the deck out of the way a bit, keeping the zerk fitting in the clear.

 

Perhaps a washer and hair pin cotter on the lift rod would keep the deck over with no danger to the zerk fitting.

[Don1977 605]

I remove my grease fitting after greasing and screw in a short fine tread set screw to keep the dirt out.

[mrc 958]

hello hldurham, later model wh tractors had a hole drilled  in the lift bar rod. older tractors do not have the hole. this combined with a big flat washer(s) and a hair pin will prevent the deck from moving side to side. when the deck moves side to side it does one of 2 things. it either breaks off the zerk or wears the bottom edge of the lift bar rod.  sooooo.... what i do is with the deck installed i make a mark on the lift bar rod where i want to drill a hole.  next remove lift bar.  then drill a hole on your mark.  then reinstall lift bar and deck. place one or  more washers and a hefty hair pin on the outboard side of the lift bar rod and your problem is gone forever. also buy a 90 degree fitting for the end off your grease gun hose and greasing the center spindle is so easy.  i can do the above in an hour.  hope this helps.  mike in mass.