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Deck Spindle Disassembly (Comet 30)

I finally got around to figuring out how I'm going to fix the spindle bearings on my Comet 30.

I did not have access to my shop to easily disassemble the parts, but I was able to pull the main shaft out of the Spindle Housing with a combination air impact wrench and a hammer. As you can see from the photos below, the lower bearing was completely shot and fell apart when I removed it. In fact, the lower bearing outer shielding was broken in 2 places and the bearing balls were loose within their confines to go just about anywhere. Thankfully there doesn't appear to be any damage to the Spindle Housing, especially seeing that (if the part is available -- can't find a direct match for my model, although the part is consistent across all Comet Series) the part is ~$130 from www.partstree.com (Part No. 7054531).

It appears that these bearings are easy to replace (press in), with an outer diameter of 1-1/4" and an inner diameter of 3/4". I'm sure I can pickup a couple from Tractor Supply without a problem I might have a pair in my shop). That or a local small engine parts dealer.

Any idea where I can pickup a new spindle band brake??

 

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I went to Tractor Supply and purchased a pair of bearings for the spindle. They run about $7/each.

The bearing that needed to be replaced was the easy one to fix, although you still need a small press (or sturdy mallet/hammer and a block of wood) to install.

Now, that one that you can barely see in the second photo (top arrow) is located under the spindle brake cup and required the use of my largest socket (30mm -- standard wouldn't quite fit) and an air impact gun. After fiddling with it for a few minutes I managed to get the pulley and brake cup off of the spindle rod. The fun part was removing that bearing that who knows how long as been on there. After beating on it with a dead-blow hammer and block of wood, I managed to work it loose. Went to install the new bearing and had it about half way on, when the entire unit popped out of the grips of my vice and upon impact on the concrete floor, it cracked open. Oops... I promptly installed the old bearing as there was no play in it.

Here is the spindle disassembled with new bearing (note, the new bearing must be installed after the spindle assembly is put back onto the deck):

 

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One more note -- with the new bearing installed, I made and attempt to mow a small strip of grass next to my driveway. For a ~45 year old tractor, it mowed beautifully!

No more scary noise from directly under my feet!

:thThumbsU

 

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Reassembly, bottom side...

Yes, there is about 1/16" to 1/8" between the end of the blade and the deck itself. It fits, barely!

That bearing fits in there snugly but there is a small bit of freedom in its sleeve/housing. It spins and rotates freely, and there is no possibility of it coming out from its confines. As I said before,that housing is ~$130 and will be a bear to remove from the deck (although the bolts will loosen up).

I'm going to have to see if I can apply some pressure around it (to squeeze) to force it to hold the bearing better. Any suggestions?

There are plans to POR-15 the bottom side of the deck come this fall... Stay tuned!