Deck Bearings?

[dreamen]

I have a LX277 with a 48C deck, sounds like one of the spindle bearing is starting to go. My question is can I just replace the bearings or do I need to replace the seals and bushings also? I understand the JD dealer does not sell the kits anymore just individual parts. Is expensive to do?? Over $50 a spindle. I also read that you should not pressure wash a deck as water can get into the spindles and cause early failure? Anybody have any thoughts on that?
Thanks for the help

 

[nybirdman]

Just don't pressure wash after useing;when the bearings are hot.

 

[Eric102]

On my JD 318 46" deck the sealed bearings were about $14 per spindle and the 3 nuts and bolts holding the spindle on the deck were less than a $1. Thats all I needed, not sure about yours though.

Maybe its just me but I would never pressure wash anything on my lawn mower.

 

[dreamen]

I can buy after market bearings for about $10 for the pair. They are about $27.50 for the pair from JD plus if I have to buy the bushings and seals. If I need the bushings and seals it is around $45

 

[Eric Barney]

I have disassembled the spindles on my LX188 48C deck to clean and service the bearings. They are not sealed, but are open roller bearings.

As long as you do not damage the seals, they can be re-used. Though if you do have any bad bearings, the seals are probably bad as well.

I see bearing kits for sale on ebay. These are probably fine, since many are JD dealers trying to unload old stock. I think the 48C deck is no longer in production. Many are lost to rusting away.

 

[beenthere]

I don't wash the deck down after each use, but maybe once/twice a year.
I blow it off after each use with air hose to keep it dry.
For certain wouldn't make a habit of pressure washing the deck or tractor.
But that may just be me.

Bearings should be easy to change if you have a press.