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

I was gifted this snowblower by a customer who decided to buy something new. I had maintained this unit the last twelve years for him. A good solid machine @ 275 lbs., it just needed follow up care. I replaced the skid shoes, auger belt, auger housing flange bearing, chute hold down clips and shims, now I want to replace the axle shaft assembly flange bearings. These flange bearings is why I am here. After disassembly to pull the axle shaft with its welded on chain sprocket I had to stop. I cannot remove this shaft as the sprocket won't allow the lateral movement as it hits the drive disc and friction disc assembly brackets. I was wondering if I may be missing something here or if I have to remove all the innard crap to access shaft removal for bearing upgrade? Is there a trick to it, am I missing something? I'm in a fog right now, I just thought maybe a helpfull prodding or suggestion would get me motivated again to go back to the cold garage during this new "Polar Vortex" in Ct.        thanks for listening......Peter    

Thank you,     That is the way I saw it but didn't want to go there jrtrebor. At least I have cleaned up the inside of the frame housing so it won't get me too slimey when I jump in. The machine is solid with no rust issues and I took good care of the engine these last 12 years. Oh, I also put a clarance kit on it already as they work great on my other machines.        What a PITA job but I will prevail!!........  

With the wheels removed can't you simply pry the bearings off from the outside and leave the axle in place? That is how most blowers get their axle bearings or bushings changed.

Shryp,     These flange bearings (nylon) are installed from the inside with spacers to go up against the sprocket on one side and a split pin through the axle on the other to keep them in place.  It is a different set up to me also. I can't believe they used nylon bearings back in '87.  Shryp, now you've got me thinking, maybe I can reverse the bearings, install from outside and pin them there? I will rethink and get back about my outcome.......thanks  

Well I bit the bullet and jumped into axle "bearing" job. What a P.I.T.A. job, I had to do what  jrtrebor stated earlier working only with an parts schematic. Finished it up yesterday, now it looks like no snow in the forecast.......bummer.......but I have the feeling of accomplishment.......with a little help from Abby's friends....