help, see picture of snowthrower

[_DX3_]

Superglyde

You might want to check this one out on evil pay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/IH-CUB-CADET-SNO...item415652de3e

[Superglyde]

Thanks guys,
George, if the sprocket and shaft slide from side to side by hand 1/8 inch or so while the chain tighteners are loose, is that not good? I ask because it seems like its normal based on the other postings I've read about putting in washers to keep it from rubbing against the bracket.
I just need it for tonight, darnit, as we have 4 inches that just fell and another 8 or more this afternoon and tonight>
I'm dying to use it for the first time ever on real snow
I think I need a new bracket anyway as the zerk was ground out pretty much. I'm going to try to find a fitting to stick in there today.
Matt, thanks, i did find the size on the cub cadet parts list 1/4-28

[ol'George]

Originally Posted by Superglyde

Thanks guys,
George, if the sprocket and shaft slide from side to side by hand 1/8 inch or so while the chain tighteners are loose, is that not good? I ask because it seems like its normal based on the other postings I've read about putting in washers to keep it from rubbing against the bracket.
I just need it for tonight, darnit, as we have 4 inches that just fell and another 8 or more this afternoon and tonight>
I'm dying to use it for the first time ever on real snow
I think I need a new bracket anyway as the zerk was ground out pretty much. I'm going to try to find a fitting to stick in there today.
Matt, thanks, i did find the size on the cub cadet parts list 1/4-28

It is normal and expected to have side play as the sprocket width determines this.
But the shaft is not to be sloppy in the bearings, Radially
Example: a ¾” bolt in a 1” hole,that would be sloppy, and indicate the needles have escaped.
Then the shaft would be turning/wearing in the drawn steel cup that the needles are caged in.
it will wear out soon as it is thin.
Then you are wearing into the aluminum yoke or bracket.

[Superglyde]

Well thanks to you all, I worked on the tractor as the snow was falling. I put in a new zerk, tested for slop in the shaft as Ol'George suggested and it appears the needle bearings are good. I reckon the reason why the left hand zerk was ground out was the chain was too loose which let the shaft slide over even more thus rubbing on it. Tightening the chain tightened up the entire bracket and it worked like a top. Graphite paint really helped, but we had about 15 inches of wet heavy snow and I had to blow in layers and even then the thrower kept clogging up and making these packed tubes of snow.
here's a link to a video at the top of my long curvy steep driveway.
Thanks all !
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK2Lh8TjodI

Carl