Taking front wheels apart to check bearings? (WD)
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Topic: Taking front wheels apart to check bearings? (WD)
Posted By: garden_guy
Subject: Taking front wheels apart to check bearings? (WD)
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:44pm
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So, I noticed when putting a new rim on my WD that the front spindle has a good deal of side to side play on the shaft. The grease line shows it shoved all the way up vs. pulled all the way out.  From the manual, looks like you just have to take the hub cap off to get access to that. Should I try to tighten it? Remove the wheel hub and just buy the $45 worth of replacement bearings and be done with it for many years? Or could perhaps the shaft under the hub be worn and causing the slop? Just kind of curious in advance what I may be getting into.
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Replies:
Posted By: chalmera
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:53pm
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Everyone do what they do. Very much cheaper to rebuild that bearing seal right. Or maybe just let the wheel roll till it falls off? Check out DJ's. Felt, seal, bearings, do it right. Grease is better today, will last longer with right fix. |
Posted By: wfmurray
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 7:54pm
| You need to take apart to find trouble .Could be just loose bearing or race could have worn hub or spindle be worn and you will need new seal. |
Posted By: steve(ill)
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:06pm
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there are two tapered bearings back to back... you tighten the nut on the end until you have a few thousandths clearance and it rolls easy... no slop........ either it was put together real loose, or the bearings have worn somewhat........ best to take the nut off and pull the hub off... wipe off the bearings and clean with solvent / gasoline and inspect... It may be possible to reassemble and adjust, or may need new bearings... either way, a new seal is probably needed. ------------- Like them all, but love the "B"s. |
Posted By: Hubert (Ga)engine7
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:07pm
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Pull the hub and remove the bearings, clean them and everything else good and see what you have. You will at a minimum need to buy two seals and see if you can find a hub cover to replace the gas can top that is on there now plus a couple of cotter pins. Once you get everything cleaned you can inspect and see what else needs to be replaced. Replace or repair as needed, pack the bearings and put everything back together. ------------- Just an old country boy saved by the grace of God. |
Posted By: chalmera
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:18pm
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Agreed, need to take apart and clean. At the least you will need the seals. and install them correctly. |
Posted By: Sugarmaker
Date Posted: 20 Aug 2018 at 8:23pm
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Yep its a messy job, but has to be done. Take it apart and show us some pictures when cleaned up. Bearings and inner seal look to be required. You may need to do both wheels. Its one of the first areas I look at. That area doesn't get much love. Regards, Chris ------------- D17 1958 (NFE), WD45 1954 (NFE), WD 1952 (NFE), WD 1950 (WFE), Allis F-40 forklift, Allis CA, Allis D14, Ford Jubilee, Many IH Cub Cadets, 32 Ford Dump, 65 Comet, 66 F100. |
Posted By: WF owner
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2018 at 5:53am
| The only things I would add is to think about drilling the hub and installing a grease fitting, so it can be greased with a grease gun (I rarely have bearing problems since doing this) and make sure to retorque the wheels (several times) after you get it back together. |
Posted By: allisrutledge
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2018 at 6:23am
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Herbert mentioned packing the bearings, this is very important. Do a search on this procedure and pack the new or old after you clean them. Because it was loose the seal is worn and needs to be replaced ------------- Allis Chalmers still exist in my mind and barns |
Posted By: WF owner
Date Posted: 21 Aug 2018 at 6:40am
This bearing packer makes the job easier and cleaner ! https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-65250-Bearing-Packer/dp/B0002NYDYY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1534851492&sr=8-4&keywords=bearing+packer" rel="nofollow - https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-65250-Bearing-Packer/dp/B0002NYDYY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1534851492&sr=8-4&keywords=bearing+packer
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allisrutledge wrote:Posted By: garden_guy
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 8:44pm
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So basically the plan is I should buy new bearings for both sides, and should take each side apart to check and see if the hubs or spindles are shot. I can do that. $60 per side isn't too steep (for bearings and seals -- looks like the full rebuild kit has like 7 parts in it). What am I looking for in terms of wear on the spindle or to the hub to see if it needs replaced or repaired? Also -- Worth changing any bearings or items on the pedestal itself while I am at it? Or is that a bear not worth tackling? |
Posted By: garden_guy
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 9:49pm
Had never heard of them before, but thanks for the tip. Just ordered some carb gaskets and a few small parts from them I needed for a buddy's WD-45. They also seem pretty in line with what I had found on Steiner on prices for that front wheel bearing rebuild kit (seems to have the same 7 pieces in it).
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Posted By: Sugarmaker
Date Posted: 22 Aug 2018 at 10:04pm
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I would fix the wheel hubs first. And if the tractor is running take it for a ride to check the steering and wobble in the vertical shaft. Repairing the vertical shaft bearing and seals is not too hard. will cost you about $100. Just need to have safe way to support the front of the tractor under the frame while the vertical spindle is removed. Regards, Chris ------------- D17 1958 (NFE), WD45 1954 (NFE), WD 1952 (NFE), WD 1950 (WFE), Allis F-40 forklift, Allis CA, Allis D14, Ford Jubilee, Many IH Cub Cadets, 32 Ford Dump, 65 Comet, 66 F100. |