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Spindle bearing problem on eXmark deck?

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lotsagrass

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Discussion starter · #1 · (Edited)
This deck is less than 2 years old. It's the previous generation full size Lazer Z with the 52" UltraCut deck. I noticed some extra noise from the deck so I took the belt off to spin all the pulleys and see if one was bad. I think this spindle on the far right side as you're sitting on the mower is the culprit. It's not hard to turn yet but it sounds/feels to me like it's on the verge of going completely bad. Based on this video, how long do you think it has left? I guess it's still under warranty but taking it to the dealer is an issue since I have no trailer (this is for home use). I'd hate to buy a new spindle but I'm afraid it's looking like I might have to soon. What do you think? Is there an easy way to replace the bearings in the spindle or do you have to replace the entire a$$embly?

Here's the video:

If the bearings are replaceable, can you give me a link to the part so I can take a look at it? Any special tools required?
 
#5 · (Edited)
Bearing seems ok for now. I don't think your warranty will do you any good at this point since it hasn't failed...you'll know when it does.....worry about it when the time comes. If it spins without making grinding noises and doesn't have play in it then it's a good bearing in my book.

Have you checked the underside to make sure there's no plastic or thread or anything wrapped up near the seal?
 
#6 ·
This situation is what I refer to as preventative maintenance--fix it when it is discovered. Yes, the spindle is free but it is getting noisy. It's only a matter of time before a bearing(s) locks up with possible additional damage to the spindle housing which could only add more to the cost of repair. All I can say is, I would never let this mower out of my shop with making the owner aware of the situation then let him make the call. The cost of the bearings is certainly less than a complete assembly.
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
Just a note. I think the mower has less than 100 hours on it. I do rinse it off once a week during the mowing season, but I can't believe that would ruin it this quickly - rinsing off with a garden hose. Hope not.
 
#10 ·
Lotsagrass, when you mentioned that the unit had about 200 hours and that you were having bearing problems, I had intended to ask you if you were power washing the unit but after doing the search for you spindle assembly, I failed to do so.

There is nothing wrong with washing the deck but to do so right after mowing is a no-no, in particular, when the spindles are warm/hot. In the effort to cool, the hot spindles will suck the water past the bearing seals. The water degrades the grease and the grease loses its ability to effectively lube the bearings.

When you replace the bearing, pull the seals and take a look. I've expierenced this same condition of a couple of LCO's who pulled their trailer in the carwash at the conclusion of mowing every week.

Blow the unit off with a blower or compressed air and wash less frequently.
 
#11 ·
You should try to keep water away from your spindles. I know that some will say that, well it's a sealed bearing or that "but some mowers have a garden hose hookup for washing the deck". In my opinion it's really not a good idea, especially if you've just used it. Water vapor can be drawn in as the parts cool or the pressure could force water past the seals.

You can also wash grass clippings down between your engine shrouds and clog your cooling fins. I do sometimes rinse my mower off but I avoid the engine and deck areas...I'm mostly getting mud and dog scat off of it. Usually I just blow my mower off with my backpack blower (between every account actually).

So yes, that roughness you feel may be rust on the bearings caused by water getting past the seals.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
So what about under the deck then as far as keeping it cleaned out? If you can't rinse it off right after mowing, I assume the only option is manually scraping the built-up grass out? I hate to let it keep building up so that's one of the main reasons I rinse it off after mowing. As you know, if you let it sit for a few days, the grass dries and gets rock hard and nearly impossible to remove.
 
#14 ·
Mow with no dew on the grass and you won't get a lot of build up--commercial guys usually don't have that option. Most of the commercial guys I did work for had their crews scrape decks and sharpen blades every morning before they left for work. A 4" putty knife work for me.

Washing won't be as hazardous if you wait till every thing cools down to air temperature.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
Going back to the bearing replacement again - I don't see a breakout of the bearing inside the spindle on exmark's parts page or on partstree (same diagram there) for model LAS28KA524. I assume they purposely don't list the bearings because they want you to buy the entire assembly? Anyway, I assume the bearings can easily be removed and replaced anyway? If so, would the dealer have these bearings or not? I guess they wouldn't if exmark doesn't list them separately as a part they can order. I saw one guy's suggestion on here to take the bearing out and go to an auto parts store and try to match it up. I'm ok with that but I'm also a little worried about getting the right part. As far as removing the bearing, do I need any special tools or can they be pried out without damaging the housing they're in?

OR....how about this? This item looks like it has the bearing inside already. Stens is a good product right? For $45, I'd be willing to do that. http://www.amazon.com/HOUSING-ASSEMBLY-BEARING-EXMARK-103-8280/dp/B004HSD9UY This is the part number from exmark's web site for the housing with bearings. 103-8280
 
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