Idler wheel axle

General help and support for your Lindeman through 2010 John Deere crawler
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Weekendcooker
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Idler wheel axle

Post by Weekendcooker » Fri Aug 27, 2021 5:42 pm

so I'm replacing the axle ( idler shaft ) , bushings , thrust plates and oil seals on my 40, got the new bushings in but the new idler shaft is not cooperating , I put it in the freezer thinking it will shrink just enough to go thru the bushings , does it need to be pressed in or can I get it in if I'm carefull with a big hammer and i protect it with a piece of hard plastic or wood where i hit it ?

Jim B
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Jim B » Fri Aug 27, 2021 6:29 pm

No press to install the shaft, the bushings are too tight, the shaft is held on the ends and the idler turns on the shaft, that's why it has bushings. Did the bushings get damaged installing them? It happens, especially if driven in.

Weekendcooker
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Weekendcooker » Fri Aug 27, 2021 6:46 pm

Well I must of damaged them when I installed them , just my luck , lol

Jim B
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Jim B » Fri Aug 27, 2021 7:24 pm

If you just deformed/rolled the very outer ends of the bushings, they might be salvaged by filing away any ridge there. May not be ideal but it can work. If no ridge, the bushings and shaft should be measured. If there is no clearance they may need fitting by a machine shop, unless you have provisions to ream or hone the bushings.

Weekendcooker
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Weekendcooker » Fri Aug 27, 2021 8:46 pm

Ok thanks Jim

420C-Mike
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by 420C-Mike » Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:26 pm

I am finally back to rebuilding my Idler wheels as well. Bushings seem Ok. I have one NOS shaft that is a nice fit. I have 3 used (salvaged) shafts that all seem a bit loose. Is there a standard for acceptable wobble? I have 4 new seals (from Lavoy a couple years ago). Not sure yet about reusing (worn) thrust plates & shims.

Weekendcoker- do you have a source for shafts and possibly thrust plates?
Lavoy- do you have parts available?

Weekendcooker
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Weekendcooker » Sat Aug 28, 2021 7:33 pm

Jim B wrote:
Fri Aug 27, 2021 7:24 pm
If you just deformed/rolled the very outer ends of the bushings, they might be salvaged by filing away any ridge there. May not be ideal but it can work. If no ridge, the bushings and shaft should be measured. If there is no clearance they may need fitting by a machine shop, unless you have provisions to ream or hone the bushings.
got it to work , sanded the ridge down and it slipped in , thanks for the info

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Lavoy
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Re: Idler wheel axle

Post by Lavoy » Sun Aug 29, 2021 9:58 am

I have a few NOS thrust plates, nothing on seals as of right now, working on getting new ones manufactured. Axles were out of stock last I knew, might be available now, I should have bushings in stock.
Lavoy
Parts and restoration for antique and late model John Deere crawlers.
Owner and moderator www.jdcrawlers.com

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