Deck Spindle Reassembly

I wish I'd done this for the dis-assembly but you'll be able to see from the pics what to do to get one apart. This spindle is off of a 1980 model 05-42XR01 deck. Here's the spindle after the top spacer-seal shattered


The new double sealed bearings: Toro Wheel Horse 106085 less than $20 shipped for a set of 6


Grease has to pass through the top bearing and travel down into the top of the lower bearing so 3 of the 4 seals have to be pried off


Once the seals are removed press the bearing with no seals into the top of the spindle housing


In case you don't want to remove the seals on the bearings and run them sealed, here's what one of the bearings looked like, notice the absence of grease. This is the bearing with one seal in place which goes on the bottom of the housing.

We'll grease this one "old school"



Put the long spacer in the housing and press in the lower bearing with the seal on the outboard side as shown below



Install the snap ring


Install the top grease seal followed by the spacer-seal


Next install the spindle shaft, spacer and cup as shown


The rebuilt spindle is now ready to install.



It should take about half an hour to put one of these together, this one took about 2 hours because of having to stop and clean my hands every time I took a picture.

Fantastic post Major. And quite timely for me as I'll be replacing some bearings this weekend if the weather holds off.

I see what you mean by the slot for excess grease.

Thanks

Kurt-NEPA wrote: Fantastic post Major. And quite timely for me as I'll be replacing some bearings this weekend if the weather holds off.

I see what you mean by the slot for excess grease.

Thanks

Kurt I wouldn't wish a spindle rebuild on my worst enemy but if you must do it I'd be sure to check the sealed bearings for grease if you intend to go that route. With your later model deck at least you don't have to worry about the stand alone top seal and spacer which should make assembly/dis-assembly a little easier. The best advice I can give is to buy a box of cheap throw away nitrile gloves before starting the project, even Go-Jo has a tough time getting the gunk off

I've been putting off this spindle rebuild for months now. Like you said Major, its one ugly, messy job. I'll take your advise on the nitrile gloves, I have a box in the shop. Last summer I rebuilt the front axle spindles and wheel bearings on my Ford 660. This was about as messy a job as I've ever done. Three rolls of paper towels and 6 cans of brake clean got it done. This will probably be just as bad.

Thanks