wheel motor breaking woodruff key

[lawnmowerdestroyer]

I have a 2005 gravely 44z
about a week ago the woodruff key on the right side wheel motor broke
i figured given the age of the mower the key was just old and brittle
now 4 woodruff keys later I'm starting to think something else is wrong

I have tried searching on google for an answer but cant find any info
on why this is happening.

my question is
can anyone list possible causes for my woodruff key issue

Thanks in advance

 

[KennyV]

WELCOME to these Forums....

I am sure if you look close, you will find that your key is not fitting perfectly...
You can repair a minor misfit due to ware or chipping by using "Quick Metal" a great Loctite product.
You can use Loctite 660 with or without the primer ... as shown in this YouTube clip: How to Apply Loctite 660™ Quick Metal to a Wallowed Keyway - YouTube
and degreasing can be done with break clean.
I have used it on a lot of things, from small bearing fitment to final drives on my Caterpillar equipment. The stuff works well and will make a Permanent repair that you can easily remove and take down if needed.... :smile:KennyV

 

[lawnmowerdestroyer]

Thanks for the info kenny
will diffently be getting some for future repairs
How does it hold up in higher temps

For this repair it will not work
I've made matters worse trying to weld the hub to the motor

I will have to get a replacement motor now that Ive screwed up the treads
unless someone knows where i can get just the axle piece(if thats the proper name for it)

 

[KennyV]

Ouch... It never works welding hubs to shafts...
I'd try to get them apart, clean up as best as possible & chase the threads with a die... Hope you didn't heat the output shaft enough to damage the seals in the motor.

as to the working temp for 660, I'm not sure of the upper limit, I have used it on hydraulic applications where the temps regularly get above 200 degrees... :smile:KennyV

 

[motoman]

...destroyer, seek out the lok tite web site. they have data sheets which will show working temps on their stuff...and...please stop destroying :smile:

 

[lawnmowerdestroyer]

Thanks
apparently destroying mowers ,or things with small engines attached to them, is in my nature

 

[lawnmowerdestroyer]

Yep Kenny
Knew it was a bad idea before I did it , but did it anyways
Thought about the seals before doing the welding
if it damaged the seals it hasnt shown/leaked yet
Cut 9 yards after the welding