spindle bearings???

[y2k1yzf]

I have a 2 year old exmark Lazer Z Hp 44" that only has 320ish hours on it. It's been a good mower except for all the bearings in the deck going out. When I got it it was a demo and had about 80 something hours on it and I had to have one of the bearings replaced at about 200 hours. Everything was quiet and smooth untill about 280 hours when it started all the grinding and shaking. I took it back into the shop and another bearing was out they replaced it and now at 320 hours it's making all sorts of noises again. Has anyone else had any trouble with the spindle bearings?? The mower is now out of warranty but it seems with all the bearings going out at less than 330 hours theres another problem.

***BTW I don't run double blades and my magna matic balancer is on back order, but the blades get somewhat balanced by the el cheapo balancer.

[Lawngodfather]

There was a short spread of max spindle inside diamiter, and minimum size bearing outside diamiter, but I don't think it was on your model.

If your gets a rattelin n a shakin, they are getting blown out. Most times doing this it has struck an object. I am not saying you did, just that most of the time it happens that way.

Those bearing are $10 each, I keep spares, you should learn how to rebuild them yourself.

I have yet to use any of the spares I have, and have the 4 out of 6 original bearing in the machine, with 15 times the hours on it than yours.

[y2k1yzf]

Yeah I am going to replace these myself I'm just wondering why these things are only lasting 100 hours?? I am almost postive the one that is making noise now is the same one we replaced last time. It's not really a bad shaking more of a vibration/annoying grinding noise. I pulled the spindle and spun the blade by hand and there was a noticeable noise coming from the left and middle spindles. What was this:

"There was a short spread of max spindle inside diamiter, and minimum size bearing outside diamiter, but I don't think it was on your model."??

You do not think it was my model?? If it isn't that then what else could it be?? I haven't hit anything to drastic.......a stick here and there, but that about it.

[Lawngodfather]

Full size Lazer with the 5.5" deep deck, your's is the shallower deck.

It was only on the 5.5" deep deck "Ultracut" decks when they were still "trivantage."

I hear noises coming from the idelers at times to, I have had to replace a few over the years.

[Alpine Naturescapes]

Although you probably have tried this, balance all the blades. Also lay them flat and see if one is bent. If it's not the blades, then it is in the spindle housing or maybe the deck has a small warp - see if the blades are equi-distant from the deck on both sides.

[y2k1yzf]

I pulled the deck off the mower yesterday to look at the spindle bearings and found that they were in great shape. Weird things is that when the last bearing went out on the spindle they replaced it with an "updated" spindle. Whenever the deck was off I spun the blade of the updated spindle and it made absolutely no noise. I then spun the other 2 blades and they made a slight grinding noise, but the bearings were perfect. I ordered a new belt that should be in on Tuesday and my magnamatic might be in next week, so I'll see if those 2 things help it. Thanks again for all the help.

Justin

[Lawngodfather]

I try to wiggle the bladewhile on the spindle to check.

Sometimes, the coveres on the mower makes noises and that could sound just like a spindel out.

[mjlawncare]

Bearings

Bearings comes from diffrents makers and qualities, some are guaranted for 500 hours some others they don't tell you , next time buy the expensive one and they will last you longer, specifically ask for them, shops they rather sell you the cheap ones because they know you'll be back soon for another set of them. Believe me , I been a small engine mechanic for 5 years and I know all the tricks of the trade, hey they have to their money too.Specially if you pay them to replace them!

[y2k1yzf]

Originally posted by Lawngodfather
I try to wiggle the bladewhile on the spindle to check.

Sometimes, the coveres on the mower makes noises and that could sound just like a spindel out.

I took both of the covers off the deck b/c I thought of that too. Could a deck belt cause a vibration?? How many hours do you normally get out of a deck belt?? I checked the belt today and it had 2 fairly good sized cracks in it.......could this cause a vibration??

[Lawngodfather]

It can cause one.

One has over 3000 hours on it.

Just replaced the mule belt today that will make #3 for it.