Mowing MMM idler pulley came off

[kfschaefer]

I have a 60 inch mower which I thought was going to need a new idler pulley so I have on on hand. Today it came off just as we finished mowing. I cannot figure out how to keep the pulley on the mounting pole as I have the keeper pin but see no grove to put it in on the pole. I suppose I could get the bracket with the pulley mounted on it but would rather not since I have the pulley already. Has anyone ever just replaced the idler pulley successfully as I would love some tips that I am clearly missing.

 

[WranglerX]

Post a picture of problem pulley and mount, may get some ideas on how to fix....

 

[Dmacleo]

this part?
doesn't it use snap ring and not a pin?
are you maybe not getting the pulley down far enough to see the indentation?
mines all tarped up for winter now so cannot verify physically.

 

[kfschaefer]

Thanks Dave as I meant snap ring. Here is a photo of a new and old pulley along with where the pulley goes without any grove.

The snap ring shown in your image is not the same in mine as it shows a snap ring underneath the pulley which makes no sense to me.

 

[Dmacleo]

sounds like groove area wore/broke off which would cause the pulley to come off.
thats a 2325/2326 mower right?
or is it the older mulching mower, think they made that 60 "

 

[kfschaefer]

Good eye Dave as it is a 2009 model. I had not considered that the groove are may have worn out or broken. It does not appear to be broken so it much have worn smooth. Looks like I will need to get the whole setup to be sure. I thought I was so smart having a spare pulley on hand Thanks for responding as two heads are better than just one.

 

[WranglerX]

IF bearing fits stub ok, just drill stub at end and tap for threads and use bolt & washer to retain idler....

 

[kfschaefer]

IF bearing fits stub ok, just drill stub at end and tap for threads and use bolt & washer to retain idler....

Good idea and will try that since it would be faster.

 

[irvingj]

Yep, just went out & looked at my 2360 and sure enough, there's a small snap-ring at the top of the idler pulley "axle." Drilling into that & tapping for a bolt & washer sounds like a great fix, if it holds up. You might want to use some thread locker on the bolt. Here's a pic -- (No extra charge for the dust, as they say....)

 

[Dmacleo]

Good eye Dave as it is a 2009 model. I had not considered that the groove are may have worn out or broken. It does not appear to be broken so it much have worn smooth. Looks like I will need to get the whole setup to be sure. I thought I was so smart having a spare pulley on hand Thanks for responding as two heads are better than just one.

what is model # of that?
the pic you posted showing that clip in that position been irritating the heck out of me LOL