Fire around the blade spacer spindle

[PeterJones]

Hi,

I had smoke coming from under the deck of my Scag Cheetah yesterday and when looked underneath there was blaze around the top of right outside spacer spindle above the blade.

Anyone had a similar experience and what was the cause?

BTW the Scag is 8 years old.

Cheers, Peter

 

[Gcorron]

It sounds as if you have a bearing that has decided to learn how to weld!! If it got that hot, it will NOT be easy to get out.

George

 

[bertsmobile1]

You get lots of stuff wrapped around there
If dry enough the friction will cause it to burn
Remember the bades are fanning it with lots of air so perfect place for a friction fire .

 

[PeterJones]

HI guys,

Thanks for the very prompt responses. Both make sense.

I'll clean out the bearing area for all three blades. Would there be an easy way to tell if it is a bearing issue, i.e. would the damage be visible.

TIA, peter

 

[bertsmobile1]

Without the belt on the blade should rotate freely smoothly & quietly.
If you grab the edged there should be no see-saw type of movement
A tiny amount ( about 0,5mm to 1mm ) of up & down is acceptable to give running clearance but no rock.

 

[PeterJones]

Cheers, Bertsmobile1 first job tomorrow.

Heading into summer (35 degrees on Sunday) don't want to start a grass fire.

Cheers,Petet

 

[Rivets]

I would remove the spindle assembly and replace both spindle bearings. If they drop in easily your will also have to replace the spindle housing. At that point it may be cheaper to replace the entire assembly instead of trying to rebuild with parts.

 

[StarTech]

I would remove the spindle assembly and replace both spindle bearings. If they drop in easily your will also have to replace the spindle housing.

They suppose to be easily dropped in and they will fall out if the spindle shaft nut is not install.

 

[Rivets]

Most I have found the outer race fits tight, with the nuts tighten the spacer on the shaft between the bears allows them to turn freely on the inner race.

 

[StarTech]

Most I have found the outer race fits tight, with the nuts tighten the spacer on the shaft between the bears allows them to turn freely on the inner race.

Considering these are two piece bearing sets, the inner bearing and race will fall out leaving the outer bearing in the hub when the spindle shaft nut and seal are removed. The only thing that slow the falling out then is the grease.

Hint: These are L44649/L44610 bearing sets that a preload must be set. Even though there is a spacer the outer bearing (cup) must fully seated prior to the torquing the spindle shaft nut.

Also note some call what you are calling the races the bearings and middle section the race. To me it is just a cup and cone set. Either way it is still a bearing setup.