Deck drive spindle issues
 

Last year my deck drive belt kept jumping off and I think I know why now. getting the deck ready to put back on and the center pulley is quite wobbly in an up-down direction. I'm letting the liquid wrench do its work so I still don't have it off and can't be sure whats going on yet. Looks almost like there are spot welds on the pulley wheel that may have busted? It doesn't really wobble side to side like I'd expect if the bearings were shot. I always keep it greased but I suppose it could be bearings.

I'll report back if/when I get it off but I thought maybe someone has ideas in the meantime. I'm still far too broke to afford any serious repairs...

yeah, got it off and it looks like the welds broke between the pulley and the hub. Hopefully they can quick-weld it without killing my bearing, because I really don't want to disassemble it if I don't have to.

Using a fluw core welder won't hurt the bearings. The harbor freight 110 wire welders are perfect for this. Just stitch weld each side as you go.

I'm not a welder myself, but I'll pass that along to the shop I'll be using.