Eatin' belts

[Bird]

I think while I had them out, I'd replace those bearings.

 

[LD1]

I think while I had them out, I'd replace those bearings.

ditto

 

[LD1]

I think while I had them out, I'd replace those bearings.

ditto

 

[Dr_Zinj]

Speaking as a mechanic, this sounds like a pulley alignment problem. Most people are dumbstruck by how much a fraction of a millimeter wrong sized shim can make a car or tractor eat or throw belts. Just a couple sheets of paper thickness metal shim can do it.

 

[gregz]

I dropped off all the spindles and the idler arm at the dealer. Head wrench told me two of the spindle bearings were for sure bad and the idler pulley was scrap. I told him to rebuild all three plus the idler and one new pulley is needed. When everything is done and reinstalled he told to bring in the deck in and he will double check everything, alignment etc.
It's a big hit in the wallet but hopefully I won't have to worry about for a few years.
Thanks again for everything I post the results
cheerz
gregz

 

[gregz]

Ok I pullies are done I picked them up the other day. Estimate was way off they socked me for $450 bucks plus a new belt @ $60. Ouch
Went to install them this morning and discovered there will be a major alignment issue. Now I have to bring one back to the dealer and deal with them idiots again. Prolly have to wait another two weeks to fix again the right way
Wonderful

 

[milkman]

Looks like all that is needed is, take the nut off the new pulley and flip it over, sucks dealing with idiots. Glad you couldn't figure out the Photobucket, I got to see the pics of your 900s. Still have a soft spot for those jewels, owned a '73 and a '75, king in their day. I pulled a camper with the '75 for a couple of years before I sold it. Thanks for the memory trip.

 

[94BULLITT]

What cost $450?

 

[LD1]

Idlers usually arent rebuildable. and cost ~$30
The spindles, 6 bearings @ $10 each ~ $60
New pulley, likely around $40

So $130 in parts and $320 in labor. Sounds about right. 1hr per spindle @ $100/hr shop rate. Good incentive to learn to do the bearings yourself. I could have had it done in under 1/2 a day once I had parts. And be ready to go.

They got you for a new belt. Price seems about right. But did you need a new one??

I agree about just flipping the one over.

 

[buickanddeere]

Maybe not, but mine mows fine & takes a lot less fuel when running at a lower RPM.

So how much is a lot less with just a mower cutting the lawn? If times are so tough you have to cut back that much. I'll send you a few bucks gas money.