Your Riding Lawn Mower's Dirty Little Secret

Are you greasing your mowing deck blade spindles but they still wear out? Do you want your bearings to last longer? Have you been told that you need to replace your deck spindle or mandrel? Watch this video and save your money! I’m going to show you what is really going on in the spindle assembly. Is this a design flaw or defect?
If your bearings really are worn out, new double sealed ball bearings are super cheap. In this video I’ll show you how to replace them. Be careful not to over-grease the bearings.
Click here for a grease gun ➜ amzn.to/2HEEm1z
Click here for a spindle assembly ➜ amzn.to/2wjOAxL
Click here for bearings ➜ amzn.to/2M6pgpG
Check out these other informative videos:
Clean Under the Mowing Deck on a Riding Lawn Mower ➜ • BEST WAY To CLEAN Unde...
How To Un-Seize, Clean and Grease a Sealed Bearing ➜ • How To Un-Seize, Clean...
Remove The Mowing Deck From a Riding Lawn Mower ➜ • How To Remove The Mowi...
How To Install A Belt On A Riding Lawn Mower Tractor ➜ • How To Install A Belt ...
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Learn how to properly fix or repair your own outdoor power equipment if it won’t start, bogs out, won’t rev up, chain or blade is dull and doesn’t cut good, needs sharpened, or simply just runs poorly. Simple and basic, do it yourself (DIY) tutorials to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment. I do my best to teach you how I easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like chainsaws, weed eaters, string trimmers, grass trimmers, line trimmers, hedge trimmers, strimmers, brush cutters, leaf blowers, or four stroke, four cycle units like lawn mowers, pressure washers, generators, ride on mowers that need parts installed or replaced, I’m your guy.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many years so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to pass on to you. I want Steve’s Small Engine Saloon to SAVE YOU TIME, FRUSTRATION AND MOST IMPORTANT, MONEY!
If you Google your issue, problem or symptom, you may just see one of my videos pop up! If you have an idea or suggestion for a video, please fill out this form ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.c...
Disclosure: This KZbin video is provided for informational purposes only. If you choose to try one of the suggestions made in this video, you do so at your own risk. No information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any kind. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from the improper use of tools, equipment or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the viewer and not Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. Please ensure that you take all proper recommended safety measures before attempting any project. Steve’s Small Engine Saloon Inc. assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video.
#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepair #smallengine #repair #diy #fix #troubleshooting #howto #engine #howitworks #doityourself #lawnandgarden #ridinglawnmower #johndeere #ridingmower

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Click here for a grease gun ➜ amzn.to/2HEEm1z Click here for a spindle assembly ➜ amzn.to/2wjOAxL Click here for bearings ➜ amzn.to/2M6pgpG Check out these other informative videos: Clean Under the Mowing Deck on a Riding Lawn Mower ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKG4g3-NhbN8Z9E How To Un-Seize, Clean and Grease a Sealed Bearing ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/Znubq2CkbMl8hck Remove The Mowing Deck From a Riding Lawn Mower ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4LPeIWifqmWeZI How To Install A Belt On A Riding Lawn Mower Tractor ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5i6ZZqZhaaKf9U Make sure to check out the Saloon here too… Click here for my website ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ Click here for my Parts and Tools Store ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow me on Facebook ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon Follow me on Instagram ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ Follow me on Twitter ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon The reason I did not put the nut back on before I hit the shaft is because that model has a tapered shaft at the top so you can't damage the threads! I do agree that it is good practice to put the nut back on though....

[@ffjsb]

Or use a heavy mallet that won't damage the threads. I winced when I saw that. You forgot about Murphy's Law, anything that can go wrong, WILL...

[@loisgustafson4522]

How about the o'finnegan law, murphy was an optomist!!

[@DarkRiegn1]

just grab a brass hammer next time

[@leemcbroom4708]

All threads can mushroom. We can see that all your work was prepped by the cleanliness of the deck/spindle/bearing and ease of removal. Anyone who's replaced a bearing knows they don't come out that easy are a dirty especially if they've been greased.

[@simclardy1]

I assumed it was ok to wack the top like steve did because he has replaced hundreds of these. Pros do things diy people should avoid. He does a good job of explaining the basics but when you do something for a living you don't even realize all the things your brain is calculating. Cheers

[@XenaTheQuadCamBikah]

I’ve found most home owners beat the crap out of their mowers and seldom do any service themselves but great tip for those home owners who do and those of us who work on mowers daily.

[@brianbeaubien7371]

Good job exposing companies who want to keep selling you parts thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@davidrice3337]

These companies are screwing themselves - product loyalty is virtually non existent - they are like coke and Pepsi - there's no doubt they collude with one another - same with the big 3 auto makers -

[@bertgrau3934]

You can get the bearings pretty cheap.

[@jimfinlaw9432]

Very helpful video. Thanks for the tip. I just finished rebuilding the mower deck on my John Deere LA145 lawn tractor. Found four of the six spindle bearings worn out so I decided to go ahead and replace all six bearings since the spindle housings themselves were still in good shape. I also added an additional zirk fitting to each spindle so when I service them with grease, I simply remove one zirk fitting out and grease the spindle with the other zirk fitting using the grease gun until I see grease come out the hole, which prevents from over greasing the spindles and it cleans out some of the dirty grease in the process. When completed, I simply reinstall the zirk fitting I had removed earlier. The bearings should last a good 10 to 12 years before the next replacement. Also noticed the powder coat is coming off that mower deck you are using as an example in your video, which is a very common problem. At the factory, John Deere only dips their mower decks in a vat of acid to etch the metal prior to powder coating them. The problem is their etching process leaves the mower deck surfaces way too smooth for the powder coat to adhere properly and over time it cracks causing moisture to get underneath it and eventually the powder coat flakes off exposing pitting corrosion. Makes one wonder if this was not done by design? My deck was so badly rusted and pitted that I had to take it to a shop and get the remaining powder coat and rust sandblasted off down to bare metal. I used a good self etching epoxy primer and repainted the deck John Deere Yellow and not only does it look like a new deck but also functions like new. The paint I used should last a good 20 years. I applied POR15 undercoat to the bottom side of the deck to keep it from rusting any further and to keep it protected. So far, I am very pleased with the results.

[@danbyrne6501]

Better off using bed liner urethane

[@sgtjameslindsey2493]

There's a point to note here about taking off one side of the seal on those bearings then pumping it full of grease when it's back on the mower deck. If you over pressure the grease, it will blow off the other side of that seal on the bearing and pick up dirt and debris in your bearings. I think it'd be better to pack it and replace that seal.

[@theamerican7080]

A serviceable bearing will allow grease to pass beyond both the bearing and the seal. A sealed bearing will not.

[@outinthesticks1035]

What I used to do was remove the inner seal , and drill a 1/64 hole in outer

[@NobodyWhatsoever]

I did my spring service today on my riding mower. I didn't see any sort of grease fitting on my spindles, and two are starting to sound rather metallic when they turn. None of the three have play, which is good, but I guess it's time to take the deck back off and do this to directly grease my spindles! Edit: I was just looking up the spindles and bearings for my mower's deck, and I found this bit of info on the manufacturer's site: SPINDLE HOUSING WITH SEALED BEARINGS AND GREASE FITTING. On these style spindles, grease is used primarily as a water barrier to keep water from accumulating in the void area inside the spindle housing and around the bearings and spindle shaft. Any good wheel bearing grease applied with a standard grease gun may be used for this purpose. These style spindles should be checked and greased annually, more often if the deck is subject to unusually wet operating conditions. Models with grease fittings will still have sealed bearings inside. Spindles with grease fittings will also have a weep hole in the spindle housing to allow excess grease to be forced out through.

[@johncarney482]

I'm thinking marine grease

[@larrypatterson3957]

When all else fails, read the manual! Good on ya!

[@johncarney482]

Just viewed on greasing the deck with the Zerk fittings and video showed grease getting into those bearings by way of zero fittings.

[@SixpenceInc]

this happened 6 months after purchasing my brand new husky and the dealer wanted to charge me for repairs saying I didn't' t use it correctly. Ended up repairing cause it was still under warranty. Steve, great show. Love it from an Aussie down under.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks mate!

[@utetopia1620]

Also and Aussie, and I think this guy is great!

[@Quannluong1571]

More beers 🍺 please ❤😂😂😂

[@johnsmith-xr6qy]

I found you a while back and it pays to watch. I'll check out my mowers in the morning. Thank you Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@lowndeswhatley960]

I found this very same thing on my JD L130 lawn mower last year when one of the spindles started making noises. Couldn't believe it. I'd been religiously greasing everything - for nothing. All of these lawnmowers come from the same place with component parts, engine, trans, etc, and different paint jobs, maybe a little different bodywork. Also, JD didn't make it easy but I found the generic parts for most everything, oil filter, belts, bearings, transmission parts, etc, and save A LOT on parts. JD is VERY proud of their green and yellow parts!!

[@danbyrne6501]

Expensive parts

[@TimEdwards-sx2pq]

5 years ago my brother gave me his John Deere 110 mower in the 5 years he owned it he had replaced the engine twice he being a school teacher took it to the John Deere shop and they replaced the standard 19 horsepower single piston Briggs & Stratton engine he got another two years out of it before that engine blew up and he was done with it I got online order direct from Briggs & Stratton 22 horsepower v-twin but but the real kicker is that because I didn't order the John Deere sticker on the motor I saved 50 bucks with a Husqvarna sticker on the identical engine

[@raystory7059]

Nuts & bolts that SNAP when torqued to the same specs as older parts have flooded the EXPENSIVE factory replacements and the dealers won't take back these JUNK MADE crap that is twice the price of non Deere parts that are often BETTER than factory parts as well. Original spindles were only fitted with cheap bushings in the first place instead of ball bearings.

[@listenup1711]

I have been fixing small engines my whole life and even went to college for small engines repair. I learned more from your videos than I ever have anywhere else. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@shellcracker18]

Dang college for small Engine repair? I’ve learned by tinkering and getting tips from pros

[@blogengeezer4507]

@Rick Simpson -Farm implements 'back in the day' when anyone with common sense [conservative] greased their machines daily, the bearings had felt seals that relieved pressure as filled, seeing the grease escape, meant no more pumps of the gun. Over 50 years on some equipment, original bearings ;

[@backcountrybarracks]

Rick Simpson spelling wasn’t covered in your classes?

[@hungry1011]

@UCPXngN5DcNgUPuWTb7aMLgw Excellent point. I do not know what Steve knows (I love his videos) but I think that this is a fair point to bring up to the engineers. Than what is the point of the fitting? Does the new grease some how work it's way into the sealed bearing or something like this? Why is the fitting there?

[@LM-sc8lu]

Who remembers packing bearing by hand years ago?

[@Beandiptheredneck]

Still do every time I do wheel bearings on my old 94 trucks

[@classic24hrtowingreferrals28]

L M Sure do pack em put golf ball size wad in the palm, grasp the bearing with your other hand/ fingers rotate as you push the grease in a little at a time Mr. Arvie always said go around twice!

[@trackrunner11]

Yeah,in the Army.

[@rareform6747]

Still do today .

[@howardkoster4026]

Yes, I re-packed front wheel bearings...

[@randysandberg5615]

I have found amazingly helpful hints by this guy. I have a large yard and use a riding mower. These short videos help my mower stay healthy and running. Thanks.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@davidnave4349]

been mechanic for a very long time and was always told that they had sealed bearings that the grease fitting was for show . However I was un aware that there was no grease in the bearing . OMS Thanks for that enlightenment sir.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@bulletproofpepper2]

My father-in-law showed me that secret 25 yers ago and we made a drill guide to drill a greasing port for greaseless spindles. He worked for John Deere. We also rebuild the aluminum blocks that they say can be rebuilt. Great video thanks for sharing.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

That is awesome!

[@blogengeezer4507]

'Sleeving', cylinders, valve guides, to get years of extra life, was an old line repair used by conservative farm.. 'owners', to restore farm engines, "back when old Hector was just a pup" ;

[@johncarney482]

Switching over to synthetic, maybe AMSOIL.

[@caspere.8461]

I've seen this on other equipment and questioned why sealed bearings were used or designated as replacement. What I read years ago was when sealed bearings were used with a grease zerc in the housing , that the grease zerc was installed to keep moisture out of the cavity or housing. I guess the intention was that even if the bearings were rarely greased they would last longer. Larger spindle bearings have seals on one side only and must be installed with the open side to the grease zerc.

[@hungry1011]

Bingo!

[@ed2335]

Honest guy. Refreshing.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@0rnery]

I learned from the maintenance manager at our shop, grease would actually pass through the seals in those "sealed" bearings. After installing new spindles in an old deck, I used the shop's Milwaukee electric grease gun to fill the spindles. After about 70 pumps, the grease came out the top and bottom of the spindle containing those sealed bearings.

[@jimmypickett9912]

I have had the same issue with a Chevy truck idler bearing and even with the pressure of a grease cup the grease won’t pass the dust cover. You actually have to do it to know.

[@NPC-et9ik]

Sounds like a waste of grease

[@0rnery]

@@NPC-et9ik Only alternative would be to access the individual bearings on a regular basis. Suit yourself...

[@vader0ni]

Planned obsolescence is standard in contemporary engineering, thank you for fighting the good fight!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ElsieDee001]

Planned obsolescence has been around at least since the 1960s. The quality of the parts has gotten poorer, too.

[@johncarney482]

​@@ElsieDee001greed, unadulterated GREED.

[@davidrice3337]

Now I gotta find a dictionary - thanks

[@robboat3864]

Yea pop 2 seals out reassemble then pop the others out with grease gun. Sealed bearings are lubed from the factory. If you have to replace them get good quality bearing. And call it done.

[@Bitterrootbackroads]

Rob Boat , had to scroll way down in the "expert" comments to see if anyone else noticed that!

[@ironmartysharpe8293]

You've got that right , They do that deliberately so the bearings fail prematurely and you're stuck buying parts , One very important thing is after disassembling the spindles , Drill and tap a small hole for a regular screw , This is a weep hole to prevent pressure from building up and blowing out the seals when pumping in grease , Also when you go to grease it again , It allows the old grease to flow out Be sure to drill and tap the weep hole opposite side of the grease fitting and towards the upper bearing , After adding grease , put the screw in and tighten so it's snug

[@raystory7059]

Good video and Thanks. I did a spindle bearing replacement last year and assumed that a double sealed bearing would not be used because it had a grease fitting. Now I know that John Deere has been taken over by bean counting idiots that don't care one iota for product reliability. The cheap Chinese bearings only freely spin a few revolutions as compared with American or German made bearings. The nuts and bolts of the CHINESE made replacement parts sold by JOHN DEERE dealers are WAY inferior to original American ones and will SNAP tight off when properly torqued to original specs and the John Deere dealers WILL NOT let these junk parts be returned either. Real mechanics Torque to factory specs however and John Deere is now selling JUNK DEERE replacement parts. Cheap junk parts sold at full price are the latest parts scam. The Deere is DEAD quality wise in the replacement parts department , so you are correct sir.

[@mr.miller2181]

I drilled small holes into both inner seals and snapped them back into the bearing, I also packed the bearing before I put the seal back on.

[@JohnDisque]

Good job, Steve. It's nice to see an honest KZbinr getting some traffic.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@k.b.tidwell]

This scam has been going on a very long time. If you have to buy a new spindle assembly, take it apart...the new bearings are sealed too! I ran across this back in the early '90's on an MTD I had then. On spindles without grease fittings it's an easy project to install some and set the bearings up right. Great video! Oh...at this moment you've got about 1200 mower spindle engineers downvoting you. 😁

[@georgewashington1106]

And people click a thumbs down on this bit of brilliance? Must be bearing and spindle salesmen

[@jamessullivan1348]

That's what I was thinking

[@GrnXnham]

Pabst Blue Ribbon fans

[@blogengeezer4507]

Word for sealed bearings, anyone realize the numbers, countless thousands of bearings, in every aspect, moving parts of each state of the art, modern Airliner? If not for modern sealed bearings, replaced at scheduled intervals depending on hours and 'cycles', they would be pretty busy mechanics... the 'Greasers' ;

[@scottrayhons2537]

Its a chinese bearing salesman. The chinese dont make grease for sale in 🇺🇸 USA.

[@TheOmnipresent12]

I agree. I've seen so many helpful videos on YT but often with a surprising amount of down-votes. What bugs me is when those who down-vote don't disclose *why*. I myself don't mind a down-vote as long as a constructive criticism is added, thus one might learn something. But to down-vote without offering a reason why... anything but helpful.

[@tomhigbee5308]

I always felt like I was greasing my Simplicity for nothing. Always replacing my spindle bearings. Great tip Steve, Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@marcs3982]

Some larger framed electric motors are the same way. Bearings are sealed, but they have a grease fitting at each end.

[@lymanreed3812]

Excellent video. Great explanation of how it's supposed to work.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank you!

[@fernando651]

now i dont feel bad that i never knew to grease that bearing lol

[@ipdjbt]

My mower is 17 years old and I have never ever greased my deck bearings. I'm not going to start either, lol.

[@richardhurlock4522]

Though sealed bearings didn't need grease that the grease fitting was to fill the space to keep moisture out🤔

[@nicknorthable]

@@ipdjbt Got my F111 in 2005 (16 years) & like you never greased those bearings either. I do grease but didn't know that point so I ain't touching .I have acreage & have used it hard. Knock wood... Now I'm gonna get it .

[@sensibleopinions10]

I purchased a scotts 17hp lawn mower and yes I know its the la 115 or 110 John Deere mower. Well, I must say, Thanks! This will help me prolong the life of my mower!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@keithattard414]

Thanks Steve for your information on bearings

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Any time!

[@markkribs864]

I just pulled the spindles apart on mine and found the same thing. Thank you for the video!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@MrGlenferd]

I was a John Deere mechanic for 2 decades and found this out years ago. I found it easier and cheaper just to replace the bearings rather then the whole spindle and take the inner seals out so the grease could reach the bearings.

[@pascualhernandez4949]

YEP I DO UNDERTAND YOU GUYS CHARGES MY THE HOURS AT A RATING OF 80 DOLLARS HOURS MAKE IN TWO HOURS PLUS TAXES FIGURE IT HOW MUCH GOING TO BE THAT EXPENSE

[@adamvalenzuela6626]

I just bought a John Deer riding mower thanks for the tip.

[@AimingWanderously]

@@pascualhernandez4949 That's whatever you just said for ya

[@tihspidtherekciltilc5469]

@@pascualhernandez4949 R U O K??? BLINK ONCE IF NO AND ONCE FOR YES!

[@lewis2553]

Well, of course, it's cheaper to change the bearings than to change the whole spindle if you're referring to the jackshaft, the bearings, and the jackshaft housing all combined as an assembly and calling it A SPINDLE. I saw what you tried to do there! That's not cheaper nor faster than removing one seal on each bearing and just reusing them. To change the bearings, you have to remove the old ones, anyway. If they're not damaged, they'll be just as good as new ones - better AND CHEAPER if you just remove the seals and grease them. Slick move, though, throwing that spindle into the conversation. It wasn't a lie but very close kin to one! Sounds like you're STILL working for John Deere!

[@markoldendorf5393]

I did this on my new john deere. The hardest thing was removing and putting back the pulley wheels. They were pressed onto the spindle with great force. You can actually see the marks left on the spindle by the process. Working with a heavy deck from the top and bottom at the same time is a bit tricky. Allow plenty of time for the process. And it is metric. Have a 22 mm and 10 mm socket wrench handy for the John Deere.

[@arcsound]

That spindle flange nut is not metric. It does take a 22mm wrench, but the thread thread is 9/16-18. I galled one nut/shaft when I pulled both mine off after 13 years, while stripping the deck for re-painting, and tried to find a replacement locally. That nut is not a Big Box stocked size, even without the flange.

[@Willy7212]

Really informative videos. Please keep them coming. Thank you for all your help. Bill from Ontario.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@nelsonthekkath4830]

You said right!! Now a days in Husqvarna., the grease nipple is also not coming. I do the same what you do. Grease is a need because, when ever I open it I find humidity condensation inside, means rusty.

[@greybeard804]

Always love beating those made to fail products. Well Done!!

[@billrundell2097]

I think that the grease fitting was an old design before they changed to a sealed bearing Many old cars needed greasing but now have sealed bearings. No greasing necessary. Please Comment if I am mistaken.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@charleshodge9327]

@@billrundell2097 More like no greasing allowed.

[@greybeard804]

@sploofmonkey It's not a flaw, it is intentional. At least on the manufacturers end. Major pain to us. Profitable to them...

[@Reach3DPrinters]

Planned obsolescence.

[@malcolmnicholls2893]

Love the psychological greaser. Thanks Steve. (UK)

[@RoadRageLive]

Thanks again Steve. I had the same issue on my White, Murray and John Deere tractors. However, the Murray didn't even have the grease fitting. I had to drill and tap a hole for the grease fitting.

[@funlarry4145]

Thanx, just bought a new right mower this last summer.

[@ServMorrighan7]

lol sealed bearing with a grease fitting. It's like a metaphor for my whole life.

[@billarmstrong8341]

yep, made in China!

[@jtpne2001]

That is not a Genuine bearing fitted. The bearings fitted at the factory dont have a seal. It looks like the bearings have been changed before with a cheap Chinese copy.

[@baconator_c10]

Steve, thanks for sharing this info. I tore apart the spindles on my 2 yr old John Deere E170 today. Bearings were sealed just like you showed. Not any more! I also realized that the deck was never properly leveled when it left the factory. Both jobs done in only two beers. Thanks again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@AnonYmous-ii4tc]

I've seen this on mine, too, and wondered if i needed to load a quart of grease into that gaping cavity before it would even get to the bearings, or what!

[@timothysteiner8330]

I kind of wondered about this myself having changed out bearings a few times and noticed they appeared to be sealed..Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@drscruggs9830]

things we never think about or remeber....you're my favorite lawn mower guy now Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@tonyroussos61]

Hello Steve. So far I have seen two of your videos and I greatly appreciate Your honest and straightforward approach. Thank you for bringing these matters to light.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

I appreciate that!

[@jimb8847]

Excellent Video Properly Explained For Anyone

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@peterrivney552]

Thanks again Steve I'm pulling my deck apart tomorrow. And doing that along with new belt guides and check aliment of pulleys ...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@seeunderwood1026]

Learned to pack bearings in high school FFA class.Other than reading,I use things I learned in there more than any other class.Day in and day out.

[@lorifries7857]

Thank you Steve for the video & I just want to say that Im really just a tackle it myself kinda lady that isnt afraid of learning to do new things. Your instructions were simple enough to follow & execute, your insight as to getting the job done was appreciated. Keep making these videos please & also consider a few how to diagnose/troubleshoot problems with mowers that non-mechanically inclined folks who can only describe by sounds or dont know what the parts are actually called that we can view.

Thanks Steve. I have 2 John Deere’s. 1980 models. 108. 111. I replaced spindle bearings on the 111. I noticed service manual said to fill area between the 2 sealed bearings with grease after Reassembly. The grease does nothing

[@mattrock5934]

Thank you I thought I was smart but I missed that I have figured out how to extend life of spindles from breakage from hitting rock thow

[@balbirsinghgill1595]

Very good knowledge.i grees mine 3years ago. R&R one side seal and filled with synthetic grees.

[@s.j.5850]

Great tip Steve - you're the man! You will save people a lot of money on service fees & parts. Keep up the good work!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thanks, will do!

[@deanpratley125]

Well I finally got around to this project Steve. I cant thank you enough for your help. My JD mower deck is now fixed properly. Once again thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Fantastic!

[@Rattletrap2]

These bearings failed on my Cub Cadet GT2544 tractor quite a number of years ago. When I went to buy the assembly, the mechanic did not have one and delivery was going to be a while. I really needed to get the grass cut. He sold me just the bearings and even told me to remove the two seals on the inside faces! I noted the number of the bearings......but touch wood......I have not had them fail again in probably 8 - 10 years! I do grease that spindle regularly though. Great video and great tip, Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@davidbentley6653]

Great tip it is a design flaw so they can sell more parts

[@lynngrissom6721]

Great information Steve! Just replaced both sides in my JD. Gonna take 'em back off and do what you said. Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on Lynn...

[@Iamnot4Sure]

Steve you just saved me and my family a few hundreds of dollars. Thanks and prosper well my awesome friend.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...and You're Welcome...

[@paulmackin4397]

Steve, thanks for your practical tips!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@davecantleberry4965]

Thank you, wish I would have found your video this morning when I had the deck off. No problem though I have all winter to take the deck off again and grease the bearings correctly now. Great info!!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidashmon5162]

Hey Steve I watched this video and when I bought 2 brand new spindles I took them apart and the same thing as in your video showed, the only thing I did different is I removed the inner seal but on the outer seal I drilled 4 small holes for grease relief and the way the top and bottom are made the new grease will keep the dirt and grime out of the bearings. Thanks for the video.

[@turbinepower77]

I have two 1979 tractors. 1 Roper and 1 Sears. Both built by Roper back when they were built to last. This year they are 40 years old. One mowing deck and never had to replace a spindle just belts. Been mowing at one acre + every summer since 1986.

[@JohnWilliams-jj2en]

Great video Steve. I just replace my bearings with new ones, and packed them with grease. Hoping you might do a video on changing trans oil on John Deere D140. The JD says you can't change it, but there is a port on the top to do it. A video on how to disassemble a rear JD, and change the trans oil would help a lot of people. It could double the life of a mowers usage. Thanks again for all you do. This is probably the 10th video or so that has helped me with different problems. I pulled the trigger on a shirt and sticker to support the cause. KEEP EM COMING. THANKS!!

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

Guess I was one of the few,I put 14 seasons on my John Deere 135 and the olny thing I replaced on my deck was blades ,idler pulley and belt,greased it twice in a season.

[@kylemangum8672]

I agree that it doesn't make sense that they put grease zerks on sealed bearings, but if you start pumping grease into those bearings, the seals are going to get pushed right off the bearings and then you'll be worse off than you were before. I've had a fair bit of experience with this issue. I would recommend that you just install good quality (SKF, NTN, Koyo, etc.) sealed bearings and don't grease them.

[@JoeC88]

I agree, you are correct Kyle & don't directly smack the exposed thread on the driveshaft with a hammer !

[@phanttomracer]

I also think the issue is the quality of the bearing. Remove the zerk and plug it. Use better bearings and just replace them every decade or so

[@daverose8772]

Very well put...A set of bearings is 25 bucks..Once every 10 years? Big deal....

[@elwyngaussiran6018]

phanttomracer ffd Njttrerrgm. Hg

[@deecee2837]

Just because they are called sealed bearings does not mean one can't remove the seal, repack, & then replace the seal. Bearings often arrive with grease applied too sparingly, so do this before placing the bearing into service & repack every year or 2 & even the cheaper bearings will last a long time. BTW, China manufactures high-quality bearings (Timken bearings have been made in China for many years), as well as lower-specced bearings. You can't blame China manufacturing if Deere/MTD choose the cheaper, lower-specced bearings in order to maximize their profits.

[@morgan398]

Thank you sir, I have a 2009 La165 I bought new. I have replaced 5 sets of spindles in 304 hours This undoubtedly will save me some cash and headaches. Prost brother!!!

[@MOTOVATOR101]

HAA I have the exact same model and I'm in the process of rebuilding the deck now. New spindles, all pullies, belt and water hose fitting. I guess I know what I'm doing first when the spindles come in. Maybe...

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on....

[@gordbz1]

Thanks very much for your postings...I'd searched high and low for information to fix my John Deere 125 and your site was the only one that showed me exactly what I was looking for.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad I could help

[@williambaksa4859]

Hey I wanted to give you an update on the bearing grease issue taking out the seal so bearing can get grease. My previous post said how do you know when grease cavity is full abd how do you not blow out the bottom seal with hydrolic pressure. I saw another video that solves that issue. Just drill a small hole in spindle body and when grease starts comming out of drilled hole you know cavity is full and can stop pumping grease. My idea to plug hole when not in use is to put small sheet metal screw (short) in hole to plug it back off till next time.

[@davedavies6518]

Good job. My first ride-on mower was a used Homelite. It had some bearing noise, I seen the grease nipple and started pumping. Over half a tube of grease later I seen the first sign of grease coming out a bearing and it still was noisy. I taken the spindle apart and had to laugh, a grease nipple to nowhere.

[@tommak6516]

Hopefully you salvaged all that good grease and put it back into your grease gun.

[@hildenorton6180]

Thanks as a women who does most of my own mechanic work all help I can get.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@thomasroth4695]

Has same issue with GM idler pulley bearing. Pulled seal back on the new one and it was dry. Pumped it full and DID NOT USE needle tip

[@mikemurray410]

Good to know about the spindle bearing. I have worked on a few of these and didn't realize this faux paa on the part of the manufacture

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@prestonbogart2492]

I have a craftsman riding mower and the idle pulleys kept going out on the deck seats wants 45.00 for one and 65.oo for the other mine have spot welds and rivets I ground the rivets out and took hatchet and carefully spilt the spot welds and come to find out the bearings are just alternator bearings and auto zone had them in stock for 1.99 each drilled the spot welds and rivets out and bolted them back together now can change bearings easily

[@franklincollins5698]

It just so happened I had my mowing unit on the bench when I saw your video. I will be following your advice. Thank so much

[@stevevideo6035]

I just bought new solid rubber wheels assembly with grease zerks from ebay. Look in 5/8 shalt hole saw inner bearing seal. Remove bearing . Pop out seal and no grease. Your video saved me future headache. Thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@ikon8275]

Great video, now I'm going to check out your video on how to clean and re-grease bearings!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@timothyford1103]

Just bought a used Husq and did partial cut. When I get back to property I’m checking out that.

[@grift01]

the engineer got a bonus for that design

[@Charlotte_TSilva]

I’ve added this to my save list to follow it just as you’ve instructed. I’m a petite lady and have to do everything on my own. 💪🏻 Thank you for saving us future headaches and money. G d bless you abundantly.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@foxiedogitchypaws7141]

Me too. 60 plus years and I am tired of being treated as if I don't know anything. It's great to have this kind of help so if I do get someone else to fix it, I can tell them this is what need to be done.

[@johncarney482]

Great video, just switched that EZ filter system returned to spin on filter and will be using synthetic oil. Bought used in 2020 E130. Cleaned the everything and spent much time on exterior deck now I'll need to address bearings and using marine grease. Thanks

[@charlesdarwin4780]

Larger companies have generally done that because the average Joe today won't ever take the time to grease a bearing, they ride it for a few years and get the local small engine shop to "replace the part" to continue biz as usual. The companies know this and will save both time and money with sealed bearings, knowing that they'll ultimately last longer then traditional bearings in more then 80% of the applications due to reading the sales market. They don't care if it's engineered well, as long as it lasts the market standard, and can compete in price with the competitor. Good video though, I'm liking the money saving series.

[@macsair]

Congrats on reaching 100K subs. Love your work Steve. Keep it up !!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@rolandguest5585]

Hi Steve. Golf cart makers do the same thing on the front axles.

[@michaelfink1017]

Clearly, you have live and faith in your heart... Thank you SO MUCH!

[@robertmoneypenny6028]

Thanks for that, I ;have been faithfully greasing that zerk for four years. Next, spring i'll try your tip.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@wrx248]

I would suggest removing the seal and hand pack the grease in. Then reinstall the seal. Do this every 75 - 100 hours. Also buy a full set of bearings for future use.

[@brosefmcman8264]

I would suggest just replacing the bearing's once a year instead of the hassle! The bearing's cost less than a dollar a piece!!

[@dnomyarnostaw]

@@brosefmcman8264 Really? I can't find any under $15

[@Sillyturner]

@@brosefmcman8264 ?? What country are you in?

[@williamhaynes7089]

@@brosefmcman8264 Not at the Jd dealer, they would charge you $20 for one of those

[@born2bewild301]

@@brosefmcman8264 their 13$ each X2 each tower some have 2-3 towers. canada

[@propdoctor21564]

Just found your channel this morning and subscribed. Excellent video on something most of us would never think of

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@mikeb8220]

I always new that was a problem. Thanks for letting it out there on your platform. Maybe it will spark some change. I drill a couple holes in the bearing cover and leave it. It helps keep the small dirt out. If you don't out will fill up the bearings quickly. Good man Steve! Keep up the good work. You have saved me lots of money so I'm donating to your cause.

[@nicknorthable]

Thanks Steve. Many on this tread are great & so helpful with simple solutions. I can actually learn by reading & listening. It is said " A man who thinks he knows all is a guy sitting in the middle of a field with a broke tractor & a warm empty beer can. "

[@tommak6516]

If you don't know what to do sometimes getting drunk is the only rational course of action.

[@robertmason4793]

Sir Thank you so much for your honesty and for sharing your experience.!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@andrewradford3953]

Also check the rear deck hangars for cracking along the deck weld.

[@chrisE815]

Good tip. Just had a buddy weld my deck.

[@ridersonthestorm5730]

Brilliant pick up! I'm in Australia opened up the bearing case and yep!! both sealed!! I owe you a Victorian Bitter from Australia Many thanks sir

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Rob-fc9wg]

Americans like Fosters mate, don't tell 'em about our Vic, they might start liking that too!

[@warriorsgreatness6182]

Thank you for generously sharing your wisdom and expertise. Learn something always from your well developed educational fix it videos. Mucho Gracias

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

My pleasure!

[@normandwilson330]

Thanks for the info, Steve. Much, much appreciated! I have a relatively new John Deere D130 lawn tractor. I reviewed your videos about removing the mower deck (successful) and about the greasing of the bearings in the spindlel shaft. So, I contacted the JD supplier/repair shop about this concern. They agreed. The bearings are sealed on both sides. But the grease, they said was to only lubricate the SHAFT. Hmm? What about the bearings? They would replace the entire assembly for about $300.00 plus labour! What a rip off! So, again thanks to your videos I will do the job myself and save $$$$. PS: Where you have a 2 beer job, try a Canadian beer. You will only need one! Canuck Normand

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...and Thank You...

[@stevehtml5490]

Been unable to get the blades loose , see now to drop the whole setup , leaving the blades on the shaft, and bet I find the same crap bearing setup - THANK YOU Steve !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@RonaldSkancke]

I'm glad to hear this so I can stop spending time lubricating those bearings. There us one grease zerk on the deck that is on a swivel arm that needs grease. .

[@ericjones6330]

Loved it. You provide info that I would need to understand when I bring my deck mower in.

[@oldtimedrumcorps]

the fact that Steve says 2 beers online , tells me he could work on my stuff anytime .

[@Neuron43]

My wife says I should mow the lawn before I grease the shaft. I have to agree with her on that.

[@MrMarkmadman]

I own a JD....Thanks for the tip...and all the videos...very informative

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help