42" mower deck/correct spindle?

[TimR78]

My 42 inch deck on a Cub Cadet 104 needs spindle repair. Someone had cheated and replaced the key in the center spindle with a filed down squared up bolt. Over time if deformed the spindle slot so that it needs to be replaced. I had a hard time identifying the deck model but finally seemed to be the (“38”,42” 3 Spindle Mower –Part 2 (1968-1971) by using the Spindle Housing number. I ordered new Spindle IH-489389-R1, bearings, seals and other parts. The new spindle arrived and the shaft is identical but the spindle cup measures 1.835” instead on 2.000. Two questions: 1. Have I ordered the wrong spindle or maybe it’s just mismarked? 2. On the assemble drawings it shows a “Pulley spacer” at the bottom of the spindle shaft before the first bearing cone. My assemble on two of the spindles has two flat washers (.058) each at the bottom before the Pulley spacer. It look like they are necessary to prevent the spindle cup from contacting the underside of the spindle housing. Does any one know if this is the normal assembly and the manuals are wrong?

[Yosemite Sam]

Originally Posted by TimR78

My 42 inch deck on a Cub Cadet 104 needs spindle repair. Someone had cheated and replaced the key in the center spindle with a filed down squared up bolt. Over time if deformed the spindle slot so that it needs to be replaced. I had a hard time identifying the deck model but finally seemed to be the (“38”,42” 3 Spindle Mower –Part 2 (1968-1971) by using the Spindle Housing number. I ordered new Spindle IH-489389-R1, bearings, seals and other parts. The new spindle arrived and the shaft is identical but the spindle cup measures 1.835” instead on 2.000. Two questions: 1. Have I ordered the wrong spindle or maybe it’s just mismarked? 2. On the assemble drawings it shows a “Pulley spacer” at the bottom of the spindle shaft before the first bearing cone. My assemble on two of the spindles has two flat washers (.058) each at the bottom before the Pulley spacer. It look like they are necessary to prevent the spindle cup from contacting the underside of the spindle housing. Does any one know if this is the normal assembly and the manuals are wrong?

What are you measuring?

I know of no washers on the shaft under the bottom bearing, there are washers on top of the top bearing. The ring that goes in the seal is supposed to be enough to keep the cup away from the spindle housing. This ring also turns with the shaft and cup after it's assembled.

Pictures would be most helpful.

[TimR78]

Thank you for your reply. Attached are some pictures of the spindle. One shows the difference in the cup length. The spindle diagram which I believe is for my spindle shows where the measurement were made. Two spindles have been disassembled both having the washers (about .130") as described. The remaining spindle has the pulley removed. That spindle picture shows the gap between the cup and housing at about .035". I would believe that remaining spindle would probably have the washers as well. Note that the shaft end at the pulley is below the pulley by about .180" which can not be a good thing. The pulley also has an additional washer against the seal spacer to keep the pulley from bottoming against the housing. I have checked the seal spacers and they are .375 which is the same a a new one I bought. The cone spacers are all around .221". Seems that this assembly is pretty screwed up. If I remove the washers I believe the the cup will hit housing. Any clarification will be helpful. One solution might be to remove the washers and some how cut down the old cups so to have clearance.

[athomas]

I would not be concerned to much with the difference in the cup length,as far as the .035 gap on the top side I believe the top plate/housing should bolt down tight to the deck without any gap,why your original one had a gap I'm not sure. The important thing is that when all is assembled and bolted down that your top pulleys line up and your blades are at the same height and all turns freely.Just my opinion !