Good fix for wheels?

[Lawn-Boy Rocky]

I'm assuming the felt-type spacers for these wheels are nothing available anymore?
Would a copper sleeve suffice vs bronze? I ask because I have various small pcs laying about that could be used as such.
I have one 19-in with these style wheels and they are in fact, wobbly and it bugs me. I had planned on looking into a cause and fix for the issue.

I would just go with the bronze at ~$2.50 a corner instead of copper.
And yes my updated set-up still uses the factory felt washers in place.
Rocky

 

[j-jock]

I'm assuming the felt-type spacers for these wheels are nothing available anymore?
Would a copper sleeve suffice vs bronze? I ask because I have various small pcs laying about that could be used as such.
I have one 19-in with these style wheels and they are in fact, wobbly and it bugs me. I had planned on looking into a cause and fix for the issue.

I have used copper tubing to re-bush many worn out lawnmower wheels. It works great. I just get tube to match the OD of the mounting bolt, cut to length, and drill out the wheel so that the bushing is a light press fit.
I had one mower where I literally wore out the tread and the bushing was still tight. I do start the year by pulling the wheels apart, clean, then grease them.
Bob

 

[Lawn-Boy Rocky]

The problem folks get into when boring out the plastic hub center is with be concentric with the wheel/tire assembly. I've seen bushed wheels with horrible wobble, some in both directions (X & Y). Even drill press boring can get "off" and causes issues. Minor off-centering at the bolt hole translates into major/visual wobble at the tire. If available, a three-jaw chuck on a small lathe is still the best bet as shown in previous post pictures.
Good luck,
Rocky

 

[7394]

True, but not like you are push mowing at 40 mph..