Idler bearing replacement
 

I had mentioned in a post about overhauling a 44”GT deck that the bearings in the idlers can be replaced so here is a quick how too. First you drill out the spot welds or grind off the rivets depending on how it is put together. Split it in half with a chisel. Remove the old bearing and then press out the spacer. Install the spacer in the new bearing and then bolt the whole thing back together. I use red Loc-Tite on the nuts. These pulleys used two different bearings the most common seems to be the 6203 McMaster Carr part number 5972K44 it’s a metric bearing for a 17mm shaft the other is smaller it’s part number 2780T61 and it is for a 5/8” shaft.

I like your style. Fix rather than replace.

:biggrin2:

Mike

I am so tired of the throw away mentality in this country these days. The Metric bearing is a whole $6.02 and a new pulley is about $25.00 and it's and easy fix. Even easier now that it's been drilled and bolted. I have 2 pulleys on a mule that I would do the same thing with but they are welded together in the bottom of the groove.

Great Job! :ThumbsUp:

Good idea Sam!:beer2:

You da man, Sam! :beerchug:

Great job Sam, thanks for the information.

I really think information like this should be saved in the tech section.

Sam,
That is a great idea repairing the idler bearing. I had never thought about a repair and have replaced half dozen or so over the years.
Regards,
Chris

Thanks for the comments guys. :beerchug:

Thanks for the tutorial Sam...