Spindle failure

[SeniorCitizen]

Not sure what you mean by pushing the outer race with fingers. I use my shop press to disassemble and reassemble. Attached is the spindle parts, nothing complicated.

The next time you have the chance measure the length of the spacer and compare that measurement to the distance apart the 2 outer bearing races will be when seated completely .

If the spacer length is a few thousandth less than the other measurement you're good to go . If it's not less the bearings will have a short life . A BIL had a repair shop replace the bearings and the spacer was omitted on re-assembly . He was calling me within an hour because of a noise he was not familiar with .
I prefer the top bearing to be free floating and that's how most are .

 

[Davenj4f]

The next time you have the chance measure the length of the spacer and compare that measurement to the distance apart the 2 outer bearing races will be when seated completely .

If the spacer length is a few thousandth less than the other measurement you're good to go . If it's not less the bearings will have a short life . A BIL had a repair shop replace the bearings and the spacer was omitted on re-assembly . He was calling me within an hour because of a noise he was not familiar with .
I prefer the top bearing to be free floating and that's how most are .

I think I understand what you are saying. I'll check that measurement next time I have one apart. But I think the bearings are tight and have to be pressed in, but will see. If one will slide on by hand, I will be able to measure. No way to measure once together.

 

[SeniorCitizen]

Many have both bearings pressed in . The last JD i replaced the bearings on had the top bearing a push fit . Those that don't have i reduced the outer race of that bearing diameter until it was a push fit .