Super M belt pulley reseal/bearing replaced FOLLOW UP. (NOT reinstalling the pulley? )

[mike1972chev]

Well, I sucessfully reworked the belt pulley bearings and seal a few weeks back. The outer bearing near the mounting flange had a few roller bearings galded,and of course, the original leather seal was shot! Where the seal rode on the shaft had a very nice groove worn in it, so it got an SKF Speedi Sleeve installed. It's all back together, and woks great now.No noise,no leaks.

Looking at all of the parts when I had it apart, EVERYTHING looked brand new, besides the outer bearing, and the leather seal, like it never had really been used much. I have read somewhere on line that that bearing going out COULD be due to leaving the heavy belt pulley installed when you are never using it??? Like it is added weight and "banging" the most lower roller bearing balls in the same spot constantly when just driving the tractor around causing the worn spots in them.

I have not reinstalled the paper pulley at this time. Has anyone else experienced the bearing issue due to leaving the pulley installed over years without belting anything???

 

[Charlie M]

I wouldn't think just the weight of the pulley not turning would have an effect on a bearing. There are a lot of forces on the end bearing when working the pulley with the spinning and pressure applied by tightening the belt I would think doing the damage over time. It is probably good to not install it if you don't use it so its not out in the weather.

 

[Doc 2]

The greatest problem with belt pulley bearings is moisture. Through normal use of the tractor you can get condensation in the belt pulley housing. It doesn't hurt to loosen the retaining bolts and pull the pulley assembly out a little and drain the bearing housing. Add a quart of 80-90 through the fill on the top of the pulley housing and you're good to go. Brian

 

[mike1972chev]

The greatest problem with belt pulley bearings is moisture. Through normal use of the tractor you can get condensation in the belt pulley housing. It doesn't hurt to loosen the retaining bolts and pull the pulley assembly out a little and drain the bearing housing. Add a quart of 80-90 through the fill on the top of the pulley housing and you're good to go. Brian

Yea, I could see that happening. Especially as mine sits in a NON climate controlled barn most of the time. The bearings were all clean, with no rusting on any of them. It is scheduled to get the 90wt changed anyhow soon. I bought 15 gallons of gear oil a few months back. The gear oil has been in for 20+years now. (I am going to do it when I replace the PTO seal retainer that has a broken ear where the shield bolts to it.) It probably also wouldnt hurt to just pull the belt pulley lever from time to time as to sling some oil around them bearings/gears a bit.