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Center spindle went out on my 1994 or 95 Wards 18/46(TMO-3400005) hydrostatic drive and I received a new one. The 4 mounting holes in the new one weren't taped. The mounting bolts from the old spindle had the threads flattened in 3 spots equally spaced aroung the bolts. Were the new spindle mouting holes supposed to come taped? So do I get 4 new bolts and flatten them and tap the new spindle or is there another way to mount it. Any information you can give will help. Thanks, Mel.

Purchase 4 new grade 5 bolts of the same length as old bolts, 4 new lockwashers and 4 new flat washers and a tube of blue locktite. Take new spindle with you for correct bolt size and thread size. Standard size bolts with coarse threads will do. Use thread gauge to ensure your using correct tapp. Tapp holes in spindle and install bolts, lockwashers next to head of bolt then flatwashers, add a drop or two of blue locktite to bottom of threads. For best results let it set up overnight.

You can use your old bolts if you so choose, they are made that way for self tapping and or staying tight. Just make sure you're using the right size tapp and holding it straight. If old bolts have a slit at bottom of threads they're self tapping. Most important, grease new spindle if it has a grease fitting.

Most replacement spindles don't come tapped. They use self tapping bolts. That's how the factory built them. You should install new self tapping bolts when replacing spindles.

wardsmowerman said:

Center spindle went out on my 1994 or 95 Wards 18/46(TMO-3400005) hydrostatic drive and I received a new one. The 4 mounting holes in the new one weren't taped. The mounting bolts from the old spindle had the threads flattened in 3 spots equally spaced aroung the bolts. Were the new spindle mouting holes supposed to come taped? So do I get 4 new bolts and flatten them and tap the new spindle or is there another way to mount it. Any information you can give will help. Thanks, Mel.

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New spindles don't come pretapped. The three sided bolts are self tapping, and will cut there own threads when screwed in. Don't use impact to drive them in, Just take it slow, and turn each bolt a little at a time, so you don't over stress the bolts, and break on off. Because it you break one, its not coming out.

Thanks for the information all of you gave. That answered my question. There is so much I don't know about working on one of these. Once again Thanks, Mel

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