Nylon wheel bearing change out

[Paullashley]

Hi,

I've searched the forums and didn't come across much info. The "Newer" lawn tractors seem to use nylon wheel bearings. I have 85 hours (easy hours) on my LX 46 XT1, and I've greased them twice. I was hoping to upgrade to a ball bearing type. I would have swapped out rims for, the XT2 if I hadn't already put new tires on the rims.

I've seen wheel bearing lots for other MTD riders, but hesitant in taking a chance.

Thanks

[ironman]

You didn't state your reason for considering "swapping" bearings but I've worked on a lot of lawn tractors and this is just my opinion:
If you are basically just mowing and doing light yard work, and you maintain them as you say you have already, your nylon bearings/bushings will give you just as good a service as ball bearings. Eventually, as the years go by and the hours mount up, they both wear out so what's the difference whether you are replacing ball bearings or nylon bushings.

Now on the other hand, if you are mounting up a snow blower or plow, that might be a different consideration.

[Paullashley]

Makes sense what you state. I don't run any accessories on the front. I'm looking for a more precise fit. It's more like there has to be a better bearing then nylon. I had the wheels off when I changed the tires and it just seemed a little sloppy for a bearing.

[Bryan S]

FWIW, I gought a couple packs of these to have on hand,
as a just in case for any of my tractors, minus the 2182,
as that one has a 1" i.d wheel bearing.
They seem OK for a slow boat from ... bearing,
time will tell.
Link for you https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Paullashley]

Follow up on bearings for front wheels. I ordered replacement nylon bearings. I measured the id and outside diameter and possibly a b1212 needle bearing would work. I doubt the spindle surfaces are hardened to handle a needle bearing.