That was good video, clear and concise. I ordered spindle for my old John Deere made in 1988. The housing and spindle came separate. I went back to the dealer to show them the spindle was too tight to fit in the bearings. He said you have to press them together. I had to use the vice to press the spindle into the bearings in the housing. The lower bearing is held in place by two snap rings. If it was press fitted from factory then had 40 years to rust no wonder it was so hard to disassemble.
Don, I love the video. Best tool to have is an impact wrench. The bolts will either break or come out. Best part is you are not put the original spindle back in. Most of the newer spindles are tapped and don’t have the old self threading bolts.
Be sure to orientate the Grease fitting so you can get at it. Does it just fill the annular space inside or does it actually get to the inside of the Bearings? If they are sealed bearings, it is a waste of grease.
Great video, thanks for shearing, by the way, Great tip to use wrench when tightsen the bolts and nut, maybe it had been better tu use free hole in spindel and had longer bolts with nut and washer underside
Maybe do it his way and then pull the bolts one at a time, put anti-seize on them and reinstall. I'd put anti-seize on nut threads, too, and on every other bolt and/or nut.
I noticed the new spindle has a grease fitting. Are the bearings sealed like the original JD parts or will the new spindle bearings accept grease? Thanks for the video.
Notice the grease fitting on the replacement unit. The new bearings used in that replacement are most likely fitted with plasitc shields on the inside and bottom, or maybe even a metal shield on the bottom. So, do we grease the new hollow spindle or would that be a waste of grease given the shields>
@@mikhalych9748 I have done that. I have also noticed that some RS bearings in that appication are packed with MY grease from the zerk. RS shields seem to let grease in, but not out.
Greetings D'73. Hope all's well and thank you for sharing your expertise. Not related to this but wanted to ask as you review the most recent. Tecumseh LEV90-120 on a Lawnboy SP. There is no throttle control on this machine which leads me to believe the spring compensates (rpm) for the resistance while mowing. Without the spring attatched I've set it to idle smoothly at approx 2800 with the screw and the arm is set to what I've seen (vids) to be factory position (no blade on it yet). So, what could I expect if I increase the idle rpm to approx 3100-3200 and run it without the spring. It is not in stock anywhere within 50 miles of me and the quickest from online is at least a week to ten days . . . NEED TO MOW NOW LOL ! If you would take a moment I would certainly appreciate it, I just installed a new head & carb gaskets and would prefer not to blow it up. Thanks and stay safe . . . JJFIII
I have a 3 spindle zturn mower, found a parts house that has what I need. The center spindle has bad bearings. Would you recommend replacing all 3 spindles at the same time or just one as they go out?
I just replaced both spindles and blades on my Troybuilt pony. Fortunately the spindle bolt heads are on the underside of the deck so no need to remove the spindle pulley.
Correct. Simple & so easy to do my step-son was doing that when he was like 12 years old. Take inter seals out. Drill & tap a grease plug at handy easy position to get to. Clean it all out real good specially all metal shaving out. Restall & grease about 8 to 10 pumps then Couple pumps of grease every month or 2. Increase life of spindles greatly. My last change over has lasted over 8 years. My lawnmower is wearing out before the spindles are now.
I told him about that in one of his last videos. I can see where these repairmen might not want to do to every rider that comes in, even when replacing a spindle or spindles, but I would say most certainly to their own. I haven't done it on mine yet, but I will be.
@@Houndini I've seen videos where they also drilled like a 1/16" hole for the grease to come out so you know when it's full. I would wrap some plastic around the hole a time or two and zip tie it in place to keep dirt and debris out. I wonder if there is such a thing as a Zerk fitting cover to keep dirt and debris out of that as well.
@@Rein_Ciarfella Thank you so much! I'll buy those rubber Zerk covers when I but Zerk fittings for my tractor mower spindles, after removing the 2 inner sealed bearing covers.
Sometimes using a block of wood to stop the blade from rotating can really help when using a breaker bar, you can use both hands on the breaker bar and don't have to hold the blade with a hand so there is less chance of injury
I'm reminded of a lesson from a truck mechanics' comic from my grandfather's day: "extra leverage eases the strain, but too much torque shows not much brain"
So after I learned that spindle bearings are sealed I quit greasing their zerks. I thought I would wait until the bearings fail and as I install new, I will pop off that dirt shield to allow grease in & go back to greasing the zerks. Well, its been 6 years & 535hrs and those bearings are still smooth & quiet. Will they EVER wear out? FYI - I NEVER hose off my deck as I fret water will pool about the spindle shafts and seep into the bearings causing early failure. !
I Always toss those self tapping bolts and drill and put in good quality bolts with nyloc nuts. That way if you ever have to take them back off for any reason, you can without snapping those junk self tapping bolts off and having to drill them out which is a Huge pain in the ass.
I did just that when I built up a new mower deck for our Husqvarna LT151 (The old deck pan was rotted out and full of cracks and holes).. I think 4 of 6 bolts in total snapped off in the old spindles when I was dismantling the old deck so that I remove rust from the brackets that I was going to paint remove and treat any rust with metal paint where there was any rust and reuse them and the spindles when building up the new deck.. I think the old spindles where a bit tired anyway, so all for the better that the bolts snapped on the old ones I think.
I have a broken spindle (Hit a high tree root & literally cracked the lower cast of the spindle away from the deck) on a '04 - 38" Murray rider. I used a block of wood to wedge against the blade, but the blade nut started to loosen. How can I remove the pulley from the spindle? The pulley keeps spinning, even with pliers on it. HELP!!
Nice job on the video again. Pretty obvious the problem was from lack of maintenance. Those machines need more than just gas. Like to mention that they have grease nipples on them that should be greased when installed and atleast at the beginning and end of each season
Good vid, as usual. And I never really find any fault with your work. But if I were doing this job I would have cleaned all the debris from the top of the deck before I removed the old spindle, and especially before installing the new one as grit could get into the bolt holes of the new spindle. Not a big deal, but sometimes crud in the bolt holes of machines can prevent the bolts from tightening properly. Otherwise, good job. Pretty straight forward. As for the Oregon spindle, couldn't help but notice it was Made In China. Makes me wonder about it's quality and is EVERYTHING made in frickin' China?!! Seems like. Anyway, not complaining about YOU. Just bitching TO you. Again, good vid. Thanks much.👍
Why don’t you pay attention to the video? He clearly stated labor for that to his customer would be as much as new spindle and install. Always someone with their HUA. Lol
Always start threading a bolt or nut by hand before using a ratchet or impact to avoid cross threads and clean the area first before you start so you can see things better. It only takes a few seconds longer and avoids a whole lot of shouting and swearing. Take care out there.
As Don pointed out, the spindle is not threaded. Those are special bolts that cut their own threads. In my case, I own a set of taps and dies. So I would probably thread the spindles and use regular bolts .. But not everyone has a set of taps and dies.
I used the the tap that was of appropriate size vis a vis the holes that are already in the spindle. Any tap and die set would normally have a chart where you can look this up.
U wouldn't happen to have a deck for a jhone deer l120 48in cut that's in good condition mine been park over 2years now don't worry I took all the gas out b4 I park it I spin the engine by hand every weekend
Watch my video on how to fix a lawn tractor that is hard to start here;
ua-cam.com/video/PgXStWfQvok/v-deo.html
My friend I've already seen it
So we forgot to put the belt guide on can we take those self taping bolts back out without messing them up or messing up the new spindle?
The new spindles really should come with new bolts. Nice tips.
YES IT SHOULD!
yeah, my first thought was that I'd use new bolts, anyway.
YES it should
I presume née bolts want brake as easy also
That was good video, clear and concise.
I ordered spindle for my old John Deere made in 1988. The housing and spindle came separate. I went back to the dealer to show them the spindle was too tight to fit in the bearings. He said you have to press them together. I had to use the vice to press the spindle into the bearings in the housing. The lower bearing is held in place by two snap rings. If it was press fitted from factory then had 40 years to rust no wonder it was so hard to disassemble.
Don, I love the video. Best tool to have is an impact wrench. The bolts will either break or come out. Best part is you are not put the original spindle back in. Most of the newer spindles are tapped and don’t have the old self threading bolts.
That is one helluva breaker bar you've got!
Great instructional video as always.
I don't have one of those decks, but it never hurts to learn something new. Thanks, DB73 - Cheers !!***.
Be sure to orientate the Grease fitting so you can get at it. Does it just fill the annular space inside or does it actually get to the inside of the Bearings? If they are sealed bearings, it is a waste of grease.
I just had one spindle replaced two weeks ago on my Simplicity Regent.. Thanks for the video..
Thanks Don much appreciated for showing us how to do this repair and save some money really helping us out.
Thanks for the advice. It was very helpful. Cheers 🍻
The top nut was very difficult to get off my JD 48” deck. I had to borrow a pneumatic impact wrench. The wimpy electric ones were futile.
Nice job and video...I wouldn't expect any thing less. Thanks Donny
Great repair thanks for sharing 👍
Great tip about not torqueing the bolts and nut with the impact wrench! I didn't know that. Thanks
Great video, thanks for shearing, by the way, Great tip to use wrench when tightsen the bolts and nut, maybe it had been better tu use free hole in spindel and had longer bolts with nut and washer underside
Maybe do it his way and then pull the bolts one at a time, put anti-seize on them and reinstall. I'd put anti-seize on nut threads, too, and on every other bolt and/or nut.
I noticed the new spindle has a grease fitting. Are the bearings sealed like the original JD parts or will the new spindle bearings accept grease? Thanks for the video.
Great question
Notice the grease fitting on the replacement unit. The new bearings used in that replacement are most likely fitted with plasitc shields on the inside and bottom, or maybe even a metal shield on the bottom. So, do we grease the new hollow spindle or would that be a waste of grease given the shields>
Grease is cheap. I do it simply because it will prevent condensation building up inside the spindle even if it doesn't lube anything.
Remove the inside sheilds
@@mikhalych9748 I have done that. I have also noticed that some RS bearings in that appication are packed with MY grease from the zerk. RS shields seem to let grease in, but not out.
Thank you
Thanks Donny
Thanks for the video 📹
Well done sir !
Great video Don, like the tip on tightening the bolts.
Nice video sir. I usually just replace the bearings and call it a day.
Love the video very helpful
Greetings D'73. Hope all's well and thank you for sharing your expertise. Not related to this but wanted to ask as you review the most recent. Tecumseh LEV90-120 on a Lawnboy SP. There is no throttle control on this machine which leads me to believe the spring compensates (rpm) for the resistance while mowing. Without the spring attatched I've set it to idle smoothly at approx 2800 with the screw and the arm is set to what I've seen (vids) to be factory position (no blade on it yet). So, what could I expect if I increase the idle rpm to approx 3100-3200 and run it without the spring. It is not in stock anywhere within 50 miles of me and the quickest from online is at least a week to ten days . . . NEED TO MOW NOW LOL ! If you would take a moment I would certainly appreciate it, I just installed a new head & carb gaskets and would prefer not to blow it up. Thanks and stay safe . . . JJFIII
I need to replace an outside pulley. Can I remove it with the deck still on the mower or do i have to remove the deck?
Hi Dony, I saw a zert on the new spindle. Do you recommand to grease annually ?
yes you can
Are the three spindles all the same size and type? Hope so, I just ordered three of them......have not pulled the deck off the tractor yet.
I have a 3 spindle zturn mower, found a parts house that has what I need. The center spindle has bad bearings. Would you recommend replacing all 3 spindles at the same time or just one as they go out?
If you have the budget to replace all 3 it's probably a good idea!
I just replaced both spindles and blades on my Troybuilt pony. Fortunately the spindle bolt heads are on the underside of the deck so no need to remove the spindle pulley.
HI Don, what aftermarket company makes decent spindles?
great vidio sir
Do you check if the new spindle bearings have the seals on the inside? That prevents them from being lubed?
Correct. Simple & so easy to do my step-son was doing that when he was like 12 years old. Take inter seals out. Drill & tap a grease plug at handy easy position to get to. Clean it all out real good specially all metal shaving out. Restall & grease about 8 to 10 pumps then Couple pumps of grease every month or 2. Increase life of spindles greatly. My last change over has lasted over 8 years. My lawnmower is wearing out before the spindles are now.
I told him about that in one of his last videos. I can see where these repairmen might not want to do to every rider that comes in, even when replacing a spindle or spindles, but I would say most certainly to their own. I haven't done it on mine yet, but I will be.
@@Houndini I've seen videos where they also drilled like a 1/16" hole for the grease to come out so you know when it's full. I would wrap some plastic around the hole a time or two and zip tie it in place to keep dirt and debris out. I wonder if there is such a thing as a Zerk fitting cover to keep dirt and debris out of that as well.
@@Rein_Ciarfella Thank you so much! I'll buy those rubber Zerk covers when I but Zerk fittings for my tractor mower spindles, after removing the 2 inner sealed bearing covers.
@@100vg most customers are too cheap for that and decline
Hello donyboy. Always great video's bro. Can you please next time tell us what model John Deere that you are working on next time. Thank You bro.
Will do
Thank you brother.
Sometimes using a block of wood to stop the blade from rotating can really help when using a breaker bar, you can use both hands on the breaker bar and don't have to hold the blade with a hand so there is less chance of injury
I'm reminded of a lesson from a truck mechanics' comic from my grandfather's day: "extra leverage eases the strain, but too much torque shows not much brain"
What is your cost for a bew sprinkle (not installed)?
So after I learned that spindle bearings are sealed I quit greasing their zerks. I thought I would wait until the bearings fail and as I install new, I will pop off that dirt shield to allow grease in & go back to greasing the zerks. Well, its been 6 years & 535hrs and those bearings are still smooth & quiet. Will they EVER wear out? FYI - I NEVER hose off my deck as I fret water will pool about the spindle shafts and seep into the bearings causing early failure.
!
I Always toss those self tapping bolts and drill and put in good quality bolts with nyloc nuts. That way if you ever have to take them back off for any reason, you can without snapping those junk self tapping bolts off and having to drill them out which is a Huge pain in the ass.
I did just that when I built up a new mower deck for our Husqvarna LT151 (The old deck pan was rotted out and full of cracks and holes).. I think 4 of 6 bolts in total snapped off in the old spindles when I was dismantling the old deck so that I remove rust from the brackets that I was going to paint remove and treat any rust with metal paint where there was any rust and reuse them and the spindles when building up the new deck.. I think the old spindles where a bit tired anyway, so all for the better that the bolts snapped on the old ones I think.
good content
I have a broken spindle (Hit a high tree root & literally cracked the lower cast of the spindle away from the deck) on a '04 - 38" Murray rider. I used a block of wood to wedge against the blade, but the blade nut started to loosen. How can I remove the pulley from the spindle? The pulley keeps spinning, even with pliers on it. HELP!!
Nice and easy 👌 👍🇨🇦🍺🍺
I would great before install. Why? On my Deere d140 no grease gun can reach the fittings
Nice job on the video again.
Pretty obvious the problem was from lack of maintenance.
Those machines need more than just gas.
Like to mention that they have grease nipples on them that should be greased when installed and atleast at the beginning and end of each season
I got new bolts with an aftermarket spindle and first bolt broke. used the old ones.
Hardest part of this for me is buying a damn spindle without having to order it off the internet.
I clean rust off and use anti seize
Our bolt is tightening and locking up. What are we doing incorrect?
What about grease carts on aftermarket spindles?
sealed bearings inside but you can add grease if you want
It's all fun n games until those bolt holes rust away or waller out in the deck lol
👍👍👍
Why not use a tap Andre thread the holes
you have that option but it's not necessary
Torque values in order to avail disaster????
Good vid, as usual. And I never really find any fault with your work. But if I were doing this job I would have cleaned all the debris from the top of the deck before I removed the old spindle, and especially before installing the new one as grit could get into the bolt holes of the new spindle. Not a big deal, but sometimes crud in the bolt holes of machines can prevent the bolts from tightening properly. Otherwise, good job. Pretty straight forward. As for the Oregon spindle, couldn't help but notice it was Made In China. Makes me wonder about it's quality and is EVERYTHING made in frickin' China?!! Seems like. Anyway, not complaining about YOU. Just bitching TO you. Again, good vid. Thanks much.👍
what is not made in china? lol
There’s one in every crowd!
Why not just replace the spindle shaft and bearings?
Why don’t you pay attention to the video? He clearly stated labor for that to his customer would be as much as new spindle and install. Always someone with their HUA. Lol
Always start threading a bolt or nut by hand before using a ratchet or impact to avoid cross threads and clean the area first before you start so you can see things better. It only takes a few seconds longer and avoids a whole lot of shouting and swearing. Take care out there.
You didn’t hear what Don said
As Don pointed out, the spindle is not threaded. Those are special bolts that cut their own threads. In my case, I own a set of taps and dies. So I would probably thread the spindles and use regular bolts .. But not everyone has a set of taps and dies.
@@davidquinn6161 what size tap did you use to cut threads in the spindles
I used the the tap that was of appropriate size vis a vis the holes that are already in the spindle. Any tap and die set would normally have a chart where you can look this up.
Pay attention before commenting. Those were self thread type you fool
U wouldn't happen to have a deck for a jhone deer l120 48in cut that's in good condition mine been park over 2years now don't worry I took all the gas out b4 I park it I spin the engine by hand every weekend
sorry I don't, your local JD dealer may have a used one in their scrap pile
Seriously!?!? What size is the socket to take the socket nut off?
Most are 15/16
What happened to your apprentice?
he will be back soon
Hey donyboy,
I have a question about an old tecumseh push mower.Can I send you a direct email?
Billy B