DIY - EZ how to remove stuck bearing race in a mower deck spindle housing. Super easy and fast.

[@evil17]

Good job, great tip, thanks

[@GTObearclaw1]

Hay thanks, it’s always nice to see a positive comment. Thanks for taking time to do so.

[@RustyGlovebox]

Nice save Russ. That is a slick trick for getting a stubborn race out.

[@GTObearclaw1]

Rusty Glovebox thanks..... I’m getting lazy. Not making many vids.

[@MrAvant123]

Is that deck worth repairing ?

[@GTObearclaw1]

What! Yea it’s worth repairing. That’s a solid deck. New deere decks cost 700$ I can fix one for under 100$ in parts in most cases

[@footfrek]

You ever worked on a lt160 deck? I think it is called a 42c. It has 3 bolt all steel spindles.

[@GTObearclaw1]

Jason O Yes those are the heavier duty decks. Very well made units.

[@viewer54322]

'ey there doctor, your vids are great watched all of the deck ones last night. Off topic: Any tips for measuring pulleys/brackets etc to help me figure out what all is bent, where to hammer and how much to hammer? I got my deck used, its a bit beat up but im having trouble finding out what exactly all is bent/not to spec. I see you had a carpenters square in one vid layin on the deck, been using that with some success.

[@GTObearclaw1]

viewer54322 yes, the square is great. I usually use that or just eyeball it. Iv found that everything needs to be pretty close but does not have to be precision. I try to get it as close as I possibly can. As long as the angles are not off too far it won’t throw the belt. If the belt still comes off after truing up with square and eyeball then it may be other issues like belt keepers bent away from pulley or sometime the belt keepers are gone. If the deck is used with an electric PTO then there will be no need for belt keepers because the belt is always tight and only engages when PTO powers up. If it’s a deck used on a mower with the tension type deck engagement then the belt keepers must be in place because when belt is slacked the belt can slip off the pulleys unless something is there to hold belt in proper position While slacked. Thanks for the comment. Hope this helps.

[@GTObearclaw1]

In addition to last reply. Be sure to install a new set of blades or known pair of straight blades and you can make sure as they rotate around the deck they should ride in approximately the same distance from the bottom edge of shell and also turn free without making contact with the deck. If you get close or touch the deck. Just knock it out with the hammer but don’t get to crazy because if you knock one part out it might bring another area closer. It takes some time. Also blades should meet in the middle and be within 1/8” give or take a little. If your lucky blades will meet perfectly level and have a small gap. If blades and shafts are straight, then that should tell you your deck shell is straight. If the pulleys are not looking right, it might be a bent pulley. I like to use new parts for this because sometimes a bent shaft or blade will cause a lot of trouble trying to true a deck. And Of course you never want the blades to make contact and if they do, it will destroy parts.

[@viewer54322]

@@GTObearclaw1 Thanks again for the tips, figured id go with 3 new spindles, my deck uses the cub/mtd taper roller bearing spindles with 4 ears -- I think ya mentioned in a vid that those types don't have enough meat to drill out the snapped seized bolts. Disassembled, cleaned & repacked the new chinese spindles, did some hole patching, squaring up and checking the deck, and experimented with por coating this rusted up deck. Reattached everything but still found the deck unable to be leveled. The side to side is off by 1"+, the adjustable link is already set as low as it can be so I am guessing a component in the lift system must be at fault. Ive been asking around on forums + documenting the job, uploaded a short vid on my channel to help explain my problem to the guys on the forums -- gave ya a quick shout out in the vid, not like it will be seen by alot of people but figured atleast the few forum guys may check ya out. Cheers

[@GTObearclaw1]

viewer54322 Well, sounds like you have quite the project on your hands. I’ll check out your vid.

[@82dupont]

Russ, keep up the good work with videos. I have a question, I’m looking for a used self propelled 21 inch lawn mower to get a small area I can’t get riding tractor into. I have seen some used Honda’s, craftsman, Scott’s toro, all around $100-$150 what is best used mower for money? Thanks

[@GTObearclaw1]

Smoke Stack - I don’t have as much knowledge on the push mower. I actually stay away from anything with a pull start. I stick to equipment with electric start. But Iv picked up a few Honda’s here and there when I find one for a good price. 100$ is a good deal on a Honda with bagger and self propel. Just make sure it’s not one of the look alike Honda knock offs. The majority of push mowers are all the same with mostly Briggs and Stratton. True Honda is much less problematic and well worth the effort. Best deals on mowers are in winter. Mowing equipment is very seasonal and there are awesome deals during winter when nobody wants to buy a mower.