Service Manual

Mid-Mount Z Service Manual 6 - 5
MOWER DECKS
11. Remove the seals, note the direction of the seals.
This will be important during reassembly. The
upper seal faces inward, and the lower seal faces
outward (Figure 127). If the lower seal is installed
incorrectly, the lower bearing spacer will crush the
seal and allow dirt into the assembly, causing
bearing failure to occur.
12. Remove the bearings and the two small diameter
spacers from the housing. One of the two spacers
removed will look like a “C” clip and the other will
be a thicker spacer with a hole in it. The open
side on the “C” shaped spacer, in addition to the
lubrication hole in the thicker spacer, allows
grease to pass from the spindle shaft to the
bearings (Figure 123).
Figure 123
1101-1104
NOTE: When removing the bearings, mark or
isolate the top bearing from the lower bearing.
This will allow the bearings to be installed in their
original operating position. Failure to do this may
cause premature bearing failure when
reassembled.
Inspect the bearings as follows (Figure 124):
A. Look for the presence of grease, particularly
in the upper bearing. Dry or cooked grease
indicates a lack of maintenance.
B. Look for dirt in the grease. Dirt in the grease
indicates a bad seal or a worn lower bearing
spacer. If the unit was recently rebuilt, look for
proper installation of the lower seal.
C. Clean the bearings and look for any pitting or
flaking on the rollers.
D. Roll the clean bearings in your hand and feel
for rough spots. If the bearing catches or the
rollers get stuck in the cage, replace the
bearing.
NOTE: With this spindle design, both bearings
and bearing cups must be replaced as a set.
Even if only one of the two bearings is damaged.
Figure 124
1030-017
13. If replacing the bearings, use a punch and
hammer to drive both of the bearing cups out of
the spindle housing. Also, remove the large
diameter spacer at this time.
CAUTION: Do not use old bearing cups with new
bearings. This may cause premature bearing
wear and result in failure.