90's MTD mower front wheel bearings

[RevB]

I am converting an old MTD/WHITE ride-on mower into a small (mobile) sprayer unit.

The front wheel bearings on this mower are ball bearing type where the inner race (reasonably thinking) should not be turning on the axle, but held firmly.
This is not possible due to the wheels held on only by washers and split pin.

These inners have been spinning on the axles causing wear.

Does anyone have a fix for this that does not involve glueing the inner to the axles which would compromise pulling the wheels for tyre changes?

Thinking that contact cement might hold enough to prevent slipping or, an old idea, of roughing the axles by multple centre punching of the axle surfaces?
.......View attachment 73074

And you know this...how? You watching the inner race as the machine is moving? On the ground? If it makes you feel better grease the shaft but that would just let the inner race be more likely to overcome friction. Or leave it dry.

 

[jes_in_sac]

If the shaft is worn excessively, you could build it up with JB Weld, then sand it down for a tight fit, but it doesn't look that worn. To hold the inner race in place, and be able to easily remove the wheel, you need side compression on the inner race, either with springs washers or a heavy spring. Threading the end of the axle then using a nut to hold the inner race firmly would be the best, but not the easiest. You could also try a pin [or a weld spot] in the axle wheel stop plate or the axle, then notch the inner race with a small grinder to that protrusion so that it's indexed into place.

 

[MTD sprayer]

As the master, StarTech, said, your mower probably originally came with the plastic bearings and the wear occurred at that time. Previous owner may have done what I've done to my mowers and replaced with the roller bearings.

Mower was bought new with greasable bearings.

 

[MTD sprayer]

Take a center punch and punch where the bearings run. This will raise enough metal to tighten the bearing and keep them from turning

Thanks. I suggested that as a fix in my o/p.

 

[MTD sprayer]

You can try loctite depending how much clearance there is, wrap tape if there is a lot of clearance, or take a hammer and put a dimple on the shaft. Add an extra washer behind the clip.

Yes, a dab or two of Loctite or, thinking, some rubberised contact cement might make removal easier.

 

[Gord Baker]

Had you asked for the information with the reason just posted then I would have willingly supplied it.
The mower is a Canadian build, sold in Australia as a "WHITE".
Model (I believe) is:
132-457E672
With additional numbering:
1 J20212-0149

Rear drive:
Model ... 616-0077
S/I ... A 060136
....

 

[Gord Baker]

My 1990's Snowblower is branded WHITE. Sold by Farm Equipment Dealers who sold White Tractors.in Canada.
Blower made by MTD.

 

[Gord Baker]

I am converting an old MTD/WHITE ride-on mower into a small (mobile) sprayer unit.

The front wheel bearings on this mower are ball bearing type where the inner race (reasonably thinking) should not be turning on the axle, but held firmly.
This is not possible due to the wheels held on only by washers and split pin.

These inners have been spinning on the axles causing wear.

Does anyone have a fix for this that does not involve glueing the inner to the axles which would compromise pulling the wheels for tyre changes?

Thinking that contact cement might hold enough to prevent slipping or, an old idea, of roughing the axles by multple centre punching of the axle surfaces?
.......View attachment 73074

Some were just Oil-lite ™Bushings. These spindles look like new. Don't mess with the bearings.

 

[MTD sprayer]

Maybe you are overthinking this. It looks like the metal brace on the (picture) left hand side needs to be bent back out a little to the right. That should keep the inner part of the race from turning when the pin is replaced. How much slop do you need to take up? Maybe a plastic shim or spring washers on the inside or outside to take up the slop?
Joe

The problem could have been avoided by placing a ferrule on the shaft between inner and outer bearings and extending the shaft length, threading the end, and allow tightening with an axle nut.

 

[Harwill]

For what it's worth, those flange bearings are available separately. Just drive out the old, press in the new. Don't recall where I've seen them... maybe Surplus Center.com?