PTO shaft end play

[tex prexhurst]

Is it normal for the PTO shaft to have about 1/2 inch end play? It doesn't seem to make any difference how the lever by your left heel is set. It is leaking oil by the pto shaft, so I bought a used shaft on e-bay. It has the bearing and end flange, but I can still move the shaft about 1/2 inch.
What should I do about the end-play?
Tex

 

[Dell (WA)]

Tex........there should NOT be enny endplay on yer PTO shaft. Usually there is a "snap-ring" that has popped outta the groove. Once they "pop", they will NEVER stay in the groove 'cuz you've rounded some of the corner of the groove.

Me? I'd byte the bullet and gitt a NEW modern 1-3/8" PTO. Its a 4-bolt, 15-min job to change the PTO shaft iff'n you park yer tractor NOSE DEEP innna ditch so you don't haffta drain 5-gals of hydro-tranny oil. .......Dell

 

[souNdguy]

Ditto 100% what Dell said... end or side play is bad.

soundguy

 

[JoePilot]

Or, if the 100 clams for a new shaft bites ya, and your old shaft is in good shape except for the leak, then chuck the used E-bay shaft, get a $5 seal for your old shaft and put it back in. If you have your heart set on using the E-bay shaft, you can get a new rear housing for about $20 (I think). That would solve the snap ring problem...

Joe