Spindle bearings on Z-force 44" deck

[dschwandt]

Is there a torque speck when tightening the blade nuts?
Reason I ask is, my son just last night replaced all 3 new on his deck long w/the bolts. Parts he got from from some seller from NY on <font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font><font color="ff0000">&#149;</font>. made in China threw up a red flag for me but I didn't say much.
Tightened them down w/an air wrench.
Reinstalled the deck and mowed a bit. Smoked all the seals and the spindles were too hot to even touch. Junk...
I mentioned there may be a spec on the torque, but by then it was too late.

 

[mgonitzke]

Probably is, and I'd say tightening them with an air impact was not a good idea. I've never had one of those vintage spindles apart, but if the spacer between the bearings isn't very substantial its possible it may have gotten crushed slightly. Did the spindles turn freely after he tightened the spindle nut? Did he put any grease in them before using the deck?

 

[dschwandt]

Matt, I thought the first one he installed was too tight and said so, But...
What the hell does Dad know about a newer style deck.
My guess is there is a spec on 'em and he probably should have installed new nuts as well. This would be akin to a front wheel bearing on a car that was not backed off a notch or two after the initial seating of the bearing to obtain proper "end play"

 

[sblunier]

ANY torque tight enough to keep the blade SAFELY ON is WAY MORE torque that a typical bearing set for a mower will handle and still freely turn. (following your wheel bearing example)

To Matt's point, the spacer may have been crushed......but if that's the case it's a pee poor design to start with....

What type of bearings are they? Sealed ball?, Tapered Roller? Water pump? If they turned freely after install, no harm, no foul and I would look for other failure reasons.....

 

[brhodes]

David share this with your son.

Page 31 said 100-120 Ft / Lb's

https://www.cubcadet.com/wcsstore/CubCadetCatalogAssetStore/Attachment/owners%20manuals/residential/2010_ZFORCE44F.pdf


Bill

 

[brhodes]

David,
I post the web page to answer your question, Dad use to use the CP air wrench, on the 107 I never liked it. but he felt could tell by the sound how tight he was getting it. Not sure what year it was be the threads were bad on one of the spindles that was $100+ mistake. Then he put a thicker nut on the three spindles. Just saying the extra work using a torque wrench just makes sense.

But Matt and Steve’s point should not go unmissed. Reading your post. I’d also bet there was something else going on.

Never worked on a Z force so I talk talk any on them.

Bill

 

[dschwandt]

Steve, they were the tapered bearings and races like wheel bearings. The spindle assly were already assembled w/seals. The OEM type, #918-04426 are about $76 and I'd bet these were about 1/2 that price. He's gonna try to get 'em replaced but I don't think he will have much luck in that dept.

 

[sblunier]

I rattle them up on all my decks with my 1/2" cordless impact.....maxes out at 250 ft lb, but I don't "lay" on them.......never an issue.

I think the problem is 2 bearings, 2 races and 2 seals in the housing for $35.......sometimes you get what you pay for.......

We're they "prelubed" ? In most cases that means two drops of 90 wt so they don't rust

 

[dschwandt]

Don't know about the pre-lube but I'm sure he shot 'em full of grease.