Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Does anyone know why Ariens uses a different bearing (material, design & bearing support style) altogether on a Deluxe/Platinum auger rake shaft than is used on both the Compact & Professional series? Nylon (white) bearing on Deluxe platinum and thinner Nyliner (blue) bearings on the other 2 series.  At least the Nyliner material claims to be a superior bearing material although it's super thin (0.025"- 0.06") depending on bearing size.  As far as I can tell the nylon bearing is plain old cast nylon which is shown to be one of the more mediocre performing materials when compared to these new self-lubricating materials or oil impregnated bronze.  

I have a Ariens 924708-- it does not have any grease fittings for the auger bushings. I see a brass bushing but no plastic or other material  incert. I ask Ariens, they seem to give me the blow off.  I asked them how to grease it. they first said it does not need grease.  I told them it is spinning metal to metal what is to keep it from wareing out . They then said the grease fron greasing the auger shaft will find its way into the bushing.   WRONG ANSWER-   Any ideas on how to grease it.

It is probably an oil impregnated bronze sleeve bearing, also known as an Oilite bearing.  It is made from a porous SAE 841 alloy which carries between 17-20% SAE 30 oil within it's pores.  The oil acts as a cushion between the bearing and the shaft, adding resistance to shock loads (suddenly applied loads) and wear.  They are virtually maintenance free.  If you feel compelled to lube it I suppose a little additional SAE 30 oil applied into the seam where the bearing flange is showing couldn't hurt.