Help, QA42 gurus ??Shaft play/slop

[cvcman]

I noticed when greasing my QA42A blower that the output shaft has some play in it up and down or side to side. Its not throwing grease out of it and its full but the input shaft has no play or slop.
Question is; how huge an issue is this ?
what would cause it, worn bevel gear ? If so why doesnt the input shaft do this ?

Whats the best repair ? Where to get parts IF I need them ?

Thanks

[Matt G.]

Sounds like either bearings on the output shaft or the output shaft itself is worn. You need to fix it or it will eventually mess up the gears. Take the gearbox apart, and remove the output shaft and bearings. The problem will likely be obvious. Take the bearings to a bearing supply place like Motion Industries, and they can get new ones for you. If it's the shaft, you'll probably have to check with one of the sponsors. Let us know what you find out when you take it apart.

[ol'George]

FWIW:
I got 4 bearings for $6.00 + shipping on Evilpay #110630896640
Yes they are made in China, like most others out there.

[cvcman]

I took the cover off and the bevel gear is fine, no missing teeth. Must be the bearing right ?? Its not REAL sloppy but there is a slight bit of play...Should I chg it or wait to see if it gets worse ?? Its quiet as a mouse....
Can I remove the shaft w/o taking the box off the mount ?? I can get the shaft with the u joints off easy, if I take that off and remove the outer snap retaining ring can I just push the shaft thru the gear box w/o taking the bevel gear off ?? Then slide the bearing out ??

Would the shaft be worn inside the bearing ??

[ol'George]

First check to see if it is just a loose output shaft-to-u joint connection.
To dissamble the gear box:
Take the thrower off the tractor, seperate the thrower from the mule drive
as it is easier to work on.
The two u joints/shaft will come apart at the spline where they slide in/out.
Take off the drive pulley from the gearbox input shaft. ( 1 or 2 set screws in pulley)
Remove the gearbox from the mounting plate,(4 bolts) after the gearbox cover is off,and you have the box in the vise, take the snap ring off the shaft that holds the gear on.
Using a drift (5/8 dia works well) drive the shaft out of the gear, then progressing, out of the inner bearing.
Progressing further, it may come out of the outer bearing or the bearing might come out with it.
Do not mall/swell the end of the shaft where the snap ring is at, or it will not come out of the gear and inner bearing.
The output shaft comes out the same way, the u joint is retained on the output shaft with 2 set screws & a cotter pin.
It is best to remove both and clean things up and replace worn/rough bearings/seals/or shafts.
The gears are no longer avail from cub but bearings/shafts/seals are after mkt.
This should get you to where things are self explanitory

[cvcman]

George,

Can I do this without removing everything ?? Can I remove the u joint shaft and remove the cover then take the snap ring off in front of the big bevel gear then slide the shaft out from the blower side ??

I see there are 2 bearings on each shaft. Again there is NOT a lot of play here is this something that needs to be done right away ???

Thank you for your help

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by cvcman

George,

Can I do this without removing everything ?? Can I remove the u joint shaft and remove the cover then take the snap ring off in front of the big bevel gear then slide the shaft out from the blower side ??

I see there are 2 bearings on each shaft. Again there is NOT a lot of play here is this something that needs to be done right away ???

Thank you for your help

If there is just a small amount of end play, I wouldn't be worried.
but if the shaft moves radially you have a bearing and/or shaft issue.
The snap ring @ the gear keeps the shaft from sliding out.
The snap ring @ the outer bearing keeps the shaft from sliding in.
You can work on it anyway you choose.
I gave the easiest and best way to do it.
It ain't like you are removing a engine from a truck,
these are QA= QUICK attach/remove snow throwers
If you choose to wait till the snow season is over it's your call.
I will warn you the gears are NLA, and used, the big one commands the better part of a $100 bill if you can find it. and the little en ain't far behind
If you are leary of doing the job, that is what this forum is for
People helping people.
Luck!

[cvcman]

the play is if you grab the shaft a small amt side to side and up and down radial play, there isnt axial play ( in and out ) is it more likely the bearing or the shaft ??I mean which do you see more often ??

The bevel gear doesnt have any missing teeth but when you move the shaft I can see the gear moving. Again its not a huge amt,the input seems tight

So how do I know for sure if its the shaft or the bearing or both ?? Or if the gear is worn ??

[Matt G.]

The only way you, I, or anyone else is going to be able to tell if it is the shaft or the bearings is for you to actually take it apart and inspect the parts yourself. It could be either one, I have seen both. Take out the shaft and look at it, and feel for play in the bearings after you remove and clean them. Don't worry about the gear at this point; it is not part of the problem.

[cvcman]

so IF there is no play in the bearing its the shaft ?? Where is the best place to get the bearings ?