Mower Deck Spindles

[twoton]

My experience with cub cadet mower decks is limited to the stamped style decks that are found on the Wideframe, Quietline and 82 series tractors. Roland has provided a link to the parts manual for these decks on page 2 of the Technical Library - Implements;

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...188#post194188

[twoton]

Two of my decks are model 44’s and one is a model 44A. All three of these decks use what is commonly referred to as ‘water pump’ style spindles. The bearings in these spindles are non serviceable. If your spindle looks like this you’re gonna have to get a new one. Remember also that the spindle housing and the spindle housing cap act as the ‘race’ for these spindles and if they are badly worn you may want to replace those items as well. These items are all readily available from the site sponsors at the top of the page. I have been lucky. I have been able to clean and reuse most all my parts except for a few of the spindles.

ST-745 spindle (part # 741-3001)
spindle housing (part # 903-0117)
spindle housing cap (part # 703-0115-0499)

[twoton]

It is also worth noting that if one of the press in zerk grease fittings in the top of the spindle falls out you can thread the hole with a 1/4" - 28 tap and replace it with a screw in zerk.

[twoton]

The model 50 deck that I have has the newer style spindles with the one piece aluminum housing and the replaceable ‘automotive’ style tapered bearings and replaceable seals. These units are serviceable as the bearings and seals are all replaceable. Remember that when you install the seals that both seals should be installed facing the same way, either both up or both down. That way, trapped air can be dispelled and excess grease can discharge without damaging one or both of the seals. These parts are also available from the site sponsors. If your water pump style spindles prove to be badly deteriorated it may be worth looking into replacing the entire assembly with this newer style. They can be purchased new or used from various suppliers.

Bearing; Part# 741-3028 or Timken LM11949

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Timken-F...1949/307913592

Seal; MTD 921-3018A or SKF 12386

It is also worth noting that the mower deck spindle cup part number IH 492108 R1 or 903-1387 fits both style spindles.

Reference;
https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/ari-p...a9dcb9a9b43d/y

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...322#post421322

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...73&postcount=4

https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...997#post375997

[twoton]

And as always remember, safety first!

[Vrobert]

I maintain that this type of spindle is somewhat serviceable in that the ball bearings can be removed and cleaned or replaced. Of the six that I have dissected, 4 were rebuilt and spin smoothly after new balls, grease, and seals.

Is suspect when these bearing are seized, they will be too rusty and pitted to roll smoothly after reassembly but if they aren't frozen, and you have more spare time than good sense, give it a try. Precision ball bearings are cheap and the spindle will most certainly be better than it was.

Thread or it didn't happen:
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ad.php?t=53209

[ol'George]

Nice write up this time of the year.
If I may add
the Lm 11949 timken cone also uses Lm11910 cup.
And FWIW:
They were commonly used as an outer front wheel bearing on GM and other vehicles in the 70's before they went to front wheel drive platforms.
That said,
the prices vary wildly so the 'net,ebay/ rock auto/local auto parts are a good price comparison to look at if thrifty minded.
China bearings are up to the task in this application.
Some places sell the cup and cone (bearing) as a "set"
just a FYI

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by ol'George

Nice write up this time of the year.
If I may add
the Lm 11949 timken cone also uses Lm11910 cup.

Never thought I would hear 11949/11910 again

Think we kept 10 of each in inventory and some weekends would sell out of them. Every brake job that got rotors got 2 sets.. Ah the good ole days.

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by cooperino

Never thought I would hear 11949/11910 again

Think we kept 10 of each in inventory and some weekends would sell out of them. Every brake job that got rotors got 2 sets.. Ah the good ole days.

And a lot of industrial machinery did and still uses that common bearing.
That and the common 6203 Ball bearing.
Every vehicle had 1, most had 2 --- generator or Alternator
Yes, simpler days.

[twoton]

Originally Posted by Vrobert

I maintain that this type of spindle is somewhat serviceable .......

Thread or it didn't happen:
https://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/...ad.php?t=53209

Yeah! I was looking for that thread. Always good to have some comic relief!

Thanks.