Abby’s Guide > Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) > Discussions > Snowblower: Any one ever removed one of these metal keys? Need to change a roller bearing for the auger's main shaft
Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions |
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Underdog
Joined: Oct 18, 2008
Points: 332
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Snowblower: Any one ever removed one of these metal keys? Need to change a roller bearing for the auger's main shaft
Original Message Nov 14, 2008 10:38 pm |
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My snowblower was groaning something awful when engaging the blower unit. I found a new bearing that matches the one that wore out. Now I need to get the old bearing off the shaft. The bearing would slide right off if it is was not for this small rectangular metal key that slides into a slot on the shaft. Anyone ever deal with one of these?. Do I need a special tool? I have a Harbor Freight nearby with all sorts of strange inexpensive tools. If only I knew what to look for. If I ever do get the key out, how will I get it back in ? Is the metal key a "one use" type of device. So I'll need to find a replacement? Maybe this is whey the bearing was never replaced sooner. Sorry for so many questions. 
This message was modified Nov 15, 2008 by Underdog
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Underdog
Joined: Oct 18, 2008
Points: 332
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Re: Any one ever removed one of these metal keys? Need to change a roller bearing for the auger's main shaft
Reply #2 Nov 15, 2008 8:38 am |
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There is nothing but friction holding the key in place. Sometimes you have to be careful it doesn't
fall out on its own. I'd just take a punch (or a screwdriver you don't care about) and hit the end that's
sticking out from underneath (in your photo) so it lifts up out of the groove. Once it's lifted a bit you
can drive a small screwdriver under it to lift the other end or just keep at it with your punch. It should
pop right out but sometimes it can be a bit stuck. If you dent the key in any way getting it out just file
off the protrusions. This is not a delicate part. When reinstalling just tap it in lightly with a hammer.
It would be best if it didn't stick out past the end of the shaft.
The half moon keys that go in a groove that doesn't go to the end of the shaft can be harder
to get out, as I discovered yesterday.
So is there a slot or something I don't see that holds the key in place. Does it get inserted from the end and then tapped in, or does it just get tapped in on its side, the long way? Why does it not just fall out? There does not appear to be a taper. 
This message was modified Nov 15, 2008 by Underdog
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friiy
Location: Las Vegas, The Desert
Joined: Apr 12, 2008
Points: 600
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Re: Snowblower: Any one ever removed one of these metal keys? Need to change a roller bearing for the auger's main shaft
Reply #5 Nov 16, 2008 2:28 pm |
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