New spindle bearings, still howling

[PTmowerMech]

That why I asked what size was those pin holes. As I may have to get another pin wrench. My current adjustable pin wrench only has one size pin.

Actually I am surprised you got the spindle apart. The last Ariens Zoom I worked on the hub was rusted solid to the threads. nothing I had would break it apart. I think that is why that Ariens.Gravely only offers complete spindles on these.

That's why I replaced these spindle assembly's back in 2019. Threads were stretched from over tightening the blades. Making it impossible to get the inner nut out.
But being only a few years old, and the customer keeps it under his carport. I may end up just replacing the assembly's if the new bearings don't stop the noise.

 

[Gord Baker]

ZT42. 915178

The deck bearings where howling so after replacing them with new, after tightening them up, they still howl. Especially one, that has resistance when I turn the blade. Remove the spindle, and rotate the bearings with your finger, and they're quiet as a mouse. Nice and smooth.

These are the spindles that has no nut on top. One nut, with two holes that pull the bearings together, with a spacer and hold them in place. (countersinks into the bottom of the spindle) Then has the blade nut.

Bearings are square in their place. Spacers are all in.

I replaced these spindles 4 years ago, almost to the date, with OEM.

Also, I'm thinking about removing the inside seals on these bearings, since I can't remember where I got them, and installing grease zerks. What's a good grease to use?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Gord Baker]

Perhaps one of the Idler Pulleys has bad bearings.

 

[PTmowerMech]

So after installing the new PGN bearings, I noticed something. Once they're in place, the center race is a tad tighter than before installing them.
So I'm guessing that Gravely has Peer make their outer race OD just a .00? smaller than the common size that's available. Everyone spindle housing had to be spotless (where the bearing fits). And even then it was a tight fit. If these come back in next year, I'm going to get a stainless wirewheel and hone them a just enough for the new bearings to only be snug.
Or just install new spindle assembly's.

 

[Gord Baker]

The bearings are manufactured to be a Press/Interference fit. You don't want the Cup (outer) spinning in the Spindle and wrecking it. Check the bearings in the Idler pulleys.

 

[StarTech]

Nor do want the inner loose on the spindle shaft. I got Husqvarna HWT625 trimmers that I have to have the spindle shafts knurled because if left loose the bearing will wear out the spindle shaft journals quickly.

Now here is a question what were the original bearing PN? Something might be off spec wise. But as said it should be a good tight fit so they don't spin other than as intended.

 

[PTmowerMech]

The bearings are manufactured to be a Press/Interference fit. You don't want the Cup (outer) spinning in the Spindle and wrecking it. Check the bearings in the Idler pulleys.

All of those are fine. I checked those first. (always)

 

[PTmowerMech]

Nor do want the inner loose on the spindle shaft. I got Husqvarna HWT625 trimmers that I have to have the spindle shafts knurled because if left loose the bearing will wear out the spindle shaft journals quickly.

Now here is a question what were the original bearing PN? Something might be off spec wise. But as said it should be a good tight fit so they don't spin other than as intended.

I didn't even check the ID fit.

Thinking back, the spindle shaft slid right on in, without much resistance at all. But thinking further, I mowed about 1 acre after putting everything back together and it mowed fine.

I'm glad you mentioned that. I'll be checking closer next time I get deck bearings. In fact, it's probably a good idea to measure the spindle shafts. As they may wear .00?.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

The inner races of both bearings and the spacer rotate as an assembly . If both bearings outer race is a press fit and the spacer is NOT the same length as the outer bearings seat distance apart , as i mentioned before the bearings get a tremendous Pre-load . ie , the bearings get their guts either pushed out or pulled in when the blade nut is tightened .

Yes , on a new both bearings feel free and just fine but that shaft with the spacer hasn't been installed .

With a grinder either bearing can be made to be a push fit but only 1 needs to be . Trying to modify the housing ? Well , You'd have more success putting tooth paste back in the tube .

Pictured is what happens in less than hour when the pro repair shop fails to put the spacer in on BIL mower .