Front wheel spindle removal

[930TURBO]

I saw a video where a guy removed his front wheel spindles and installed needle bearings on the spindle then reinstalled them for easier steering.
My question is... His spindle was removed by removing a cotter key. I want to do this HOWEVER my spindle does NOT have a cotter key. it appears to be welded . Any thoughts on this
How can I remove them.. I already purchased the needle bearings before looking. DUUUHH. This install would be on a 2016 Cub Cadet XT2 Lawn Tractor

thanks in advance

[CubDieselFan]

Can you post a picture of your spindle?

[evhevh]

Here are pics from my 2016 XT2. I think you pry the top cap off. You may want to purchase some new ones because they can be damaged when removing them.

Note, I had a friend make that change to his John Deere. He didn't think it made that much of a difference. Your mileage may vary...

[GTS225]

If you'll allow me my tirade;
In my previous "life" as an industrial maintenance tech, I ran across more than enough Torrington bearings used as thrust bearings. And every one of them were ground to powder, due to the environment they were in. (Wood powder and shavings, along with machine operator neglect or ignorance.)

I suggest that you could spend your money on something more beneficial than a Torrington bearing down low on your suspension where it's going to be exposed to constant dirt and dust from the work you're doing with your tractor. Having it there will require you to step up your maintenance tasks more often. I suggest you'd be better off with a bronze thrust washer if you wish to try to reduce your steering force.

Just my opine.....Roger

[ironman]

Originally Posted by GTS225

If you'll allow me my tirade;
In my previous "life" as an industrial maintenance tech, I ran across more than enough Torrington bearings used as thrust bearings. And every one of them were ground to powder, due to the environment they were in. (Wood powder and shavings, along with machine operator neglect or ignorance.)

I suggest that you could spend your money on something more beneficial than a Torrington bearing down low on your suspension where it's going to be exposed to constant dirt and dust from the work you're doing with your tractor. Having it there will require you to step up your maintenance tasks more often. I suggest you'd be better off with a bronze thrust washer if you wish to try to reduce your steering force.

Just my opine.....Roger

Totally agree. I can't see those teeny little rollers taking hundreds of pounds of constant beatings from bumps and potholes.

[finsruskw]

When's the last time it was greased??

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by ironman

Totally agree. I can't see those teeny little rollers taking hundreds of pounds of constant beatings from bumps and potholes.

Those type of thrust bearings need to be protected, usually in a stamped sheet metal cup/cap arrangement, and even then, they are short lived in that type of environment.
I'm agreeing with others.
But if you have already purchased them, go ahead and use them and test them under your usage conditions.

[930TURBO]

Originally Posted by GTS225

If you'll allow me my tirade;
In my previous "life" as an industrial maintenance tech, I ran across more than enough Torrington bearings used as thrust bearings. And every one of them were ground to powder, due to the environment they were in. (Wood powder and shavings, along with machine operator neglect or ignorance.)

I suggest that you could spend your money on something more beneficial than a Torrington bearing down low on your suspension where it's going to be exposed to constant dirt and dust from the work you're doing with your tractor. Having it there will require you to step up your maintenance tasks more often. I suggest you'd be better off with a bronze thrust washer if you wish to try to reduce your steering force.

Just my opine.....Roger

Thanks for the feedback Roger... I totally agree with you on the wear and tear on these little bearings in this area. I like the idea of bronze washers. HOWERER I still don't know how to remove the spindle.

In the defense of the video I watched the video to the end and he did put shrink wrap over the bearings for protection. Glad I only paid a couple bucks for the bearings.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by 930TURBO

Thanks for the feedback Roger... I totally agree with you on the wear and tear on these little bearings in this area. I like the idea of bronze washers. HOWERER I still don't know how to remove the spindle.

In the defense of the video I watched the video to the end and he did put shrink wrap over the bearings for protection. Glad I only paid a couple bucks for the bearings.

If you take the after for mentioned plastic cap off the top of the spindle, it should fall out of the axle pivot hole it lives in.

[ironman]

Originally Posted by 930TURBO

HOWERER I still don't know how to remove the spindle.

Under the black plastic cap is a metal thing called a push nut.
To remove a push nut you pry and pull at it.
Nine times out of ten, removal results in destruction of the push nut and replacement is required.
You are chasing a windmill with this idea.
Put more air in the front tires and purchase some dumb bells to build up your arm strength.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YxMEsu4l4LU