44C Spindle Disassembly

[SGragg]

Have the center spindle removed and apart, no problem.

How are the two outer spindles taken apart? I have the nut removed from the top of the shaft, near the grease zert. The secondary "nut" has a key in the shaft. Is the pulley and "nut" attached and pulled off the spindle as one piece, or how?

Thanks ahead of time.

[ol'George]

The top nut holds the pulley on the shaft,
the second "nut" with the keyway inside is not a "nut" per say, it is made on the pulley and normally not removable from the pulley, it comes with it.
Be careful removing the pulley as it is easily damaged.
Do not use a puller on it.
If you have the tapered bearing units with aluminum flange housings,take the blade nut off and push the shaft up/out of the housing with pulley on it.
You will then be able to remove the pulley from the shaft without damaging it,especially if is stuck a bit.
there is a woodruff key in the pulley.
Upon re assy, put one seal with the lip facing outward so excessive grease can escape and not push the seals out of their bores.

[SGragg]

I'm not trying to separate the shaft from the pulley, just the shaft from the housing. Could I use a press to push the shaft from the bottom side of the housing?

[ol'George]

If you have the aluminum housings, then yes.
Prolly be able to just tap it up from the bottom.
But it won't work with the old style bearings that are made on the shaft,
they are retained in a sort of stamped steel "cup"
If you have the center assy apart they are the same as the sides, just a different pulley.
You might want to take the pulley off to replace the seal and install the new bearing if that is your intent?

[SGragg]

Yes, I think they are the same assemblies as the center one (aluminum). Don't think they are the combined bearing/spindles.

I'll tinker around with them this evening and let ya know. Thanks.