Cub Original mower spindles

[Brad Kamm]

While tearing down the deck spindles, I found that the 2 bearings have seals on both sides. I don’t understand how grease is getting into the bearings. Each side has a different type of rubber seal, so how is the grease getting into the bearing. Pictures attached. Grease from the zerk comes out between the bearings, normally I would expect the bearings to have a seal on just one side. Anyone have knowledge of this setup??

 

[mgwin]

Any chance someone replaced the original bearings with sealed bearings years ago?
Someone probably told them that sealed bearings would last longer.

 

[Brad Kamm]

The bearings feel ok, I think I’ll pull 1 seal, face those sides together and reinstall. Flush and repack bearings as well. I don’t plan to mow with it, but I would like it in good condition if I decide to sell. Any input appreciated.

 

[danderson]

That’s typical. John Deere is the same way. They put a grease fitting on the housing but sealed bearing. Yes, just pull the inner seals.

 

[lpalma]

I did one in the spring and it had the same beaings as yours, There was no zerk on the shaft, more than likely it was original as the NOS one I replaced it with didn't have one either.

 

[digger]

I did one in the spring and it had the same beaings as yours, There was no zerk on the shaft, more than likely it was original as the NOS one I replaced it with didn't have one either.

The ones I sell have zerks, but also come with sealed bearings.

 

[Greg Riutzel]

Why would anyone pull perfectly good seals on good bearings just because they ain't original looking?? I'm sure double sealed are a supercession over the ones without but the dirt and water stay out and the correct grease and amount are in. I've added just enough grease to keep the cavity between them full enough for less chance of debris collecting in there.

 

[Brad Kamm]

I’m not pulling because of how they look, doing it so I know they are lubed . These could be 40-50yo, they don’t sound dry, but they are a little loose. This deck will get little to no use. I’ll fill the cavity full to keep out moisture. If I decide this will get a lot of use, then I can decide to replace the spindles and bearings. All good opinions, thank you!

 

[eweiss]

I’m not pulling because of how they look, doing it so I know they are lubed . These could be 40-50yo, they don’t sound dry, but they are a little loose. This deck will get little to no use. I’ll fill the cavity full to keep out moisture. If I decide this will get a lot of use, then I can decide to replace the spindles and bearings. All good opinions, thank you!

If the bearings are sealed and installed on each end of the spindle, why waste grease.?

 

[danderson]

I have found the lubrication in sealed bearings lacking anymore. Especially sealed hubs on vehicles. I get 3 years out of replacement hubs. Even Timkens.

 

[Brad Kamm]

To be honest, if I planned to make this my regular mower, I would need to replace all the bearings and spindles and belts. That’s $300 I don’t want to spend now. This works for very limited use.

 

[Tom Fedolak]

On my 50C the seals are pressed into the spindle housings. The upper seal in the normal
position and the lower seal reversed. That way any extra grease pressure is bled off when
greasing.