Prognosis - MMM Spindle

[RCW]

Guys - need a prognosis.

I've bitched and moaned here about greasing the MMM on my new tractor...wait for it...wait...you probably know where we're going.....

Saw black dust near left MMM spindle today. Not much - I hose tractor off after each use. Obviously that one has taken no grease - probably 20 hours on mower since new, about an hour when I saw the symptom of a failing bearing.

I really thought I was getting some grease in all fittings.

Pulled pulley guards off, changed the offending zert, put lots of grease to all when bearings were still hot. Pulley guards won't go back on.

I think that spindle is cooked, but only medium rare. If I got grease in it quick, do you think it will work down the road?

Suggestions appreciated, as long as it doesn't start with "you should know better," because I do. I've already been there myself! I do know better, which pisses me off.

 

[lsmurphy]

I would expect a spindle bearing to take more than a total of 20 hours use whether you got grease to it or not.

No, it won't last and when you spin the spindle itself, you'll be replacing that too.

Time for bearings and about 2 hours of effort.

You got a press?

 

[lsmurphy]

BTW, stop washing the thing every thing every time you use it.

IF you must, then run it for 10-15 minutes and or use compressed air to dry it off afterwards.

And THEN grease the bearings to push the water out of them.

You will also rot your belt by washing it every time.

 

[hodge]

BTW, stop washing the thing every thing every time you use it.

IF you must, then run it for 10-15 minutes and or use compressed air to dry it off afterwards.

And THEN grease the bearings to push the water out of them.

You will also rot your belt by washing it every time.

I agree. Washing it will introduce water into the spindles.
Blow it off with compressed air or a leaf blower.

 

[Stubbyie]

Agree with other posters.

Do NOT use water to wash mower decks.

DO use compressed air only. Get a lever-type blow gun and stick a 1/8-in x 24-in long pipe nipple on it (perhaps with a M x F thread adapter--try NAPA's grease gun thread adapters) with a coupling and the original rubber-tip (my rubber tips have dual threads: should fit 1/8-in NPT).

We got tired of changing deck quills and spindles years ago. Quit washing decks and solved problem.

Use compressed air only to clean decks.

 

[RCW]

Thanks, guys.

Cleaning a deck off is something I've done for 40 years. As a kid, I caught hell if I didn't.

I do normally grease after washing, but I certainly see your point. I've never given it a second thought.

I don't have a press, but looks like I'd ought get one. Deck will be coming off soon to put the snowblower on. Good time to take care of it.

Much appreciated!

 

[kubotaman574]

Dealer is Picking mine up tomorrow for the Same Problem, has less then 3 Hours on the Deck.