Woods RM400-3 finish mower

Mouse77 · Sep 15, 2017

Hi all, not sure this is the right area.....anyone know of aftermarket spindles for an RM400-3. Woods' wants around $155 each. Bearings are noisy so tried pressing apart but no luck at 10 tons of push. Afraid to go to high since I gotta stand there.

CADplans · Sep 15, 2017

Are the spindles supposed to have replaceable bearings?

Did you try more than one spindle?

I have been replacing bearings on mowers since 1982,, sometimes you may need a shop to help in disassembly.
If all else fails, a 4 1/2 inch angle grinder will make short work of removing the old bearing.

Do not give up,,,, NOW!! :thumbsup:

NOTE:
After my first bearing replacement,, I learned to grease those fittings MUCH more often!! :laughing:

Mouse77 · Sep 15, 2017

Yes they are replaceable bearings. They are tapered Timken style bearings and WOODS sells them. Just was not wanting to put much more pressure on them in the press. Grinder won't get down inside spindle to grind it off. Only chance would be a torch and then your gonna gets hot grease blow back

Spanner · Sep 15, 2017

You have the spindle shaft itself out (?) and the bearing cones (??) with just the 'cups' left in the housing (???) - and grease.

You should be 'pressing' from the 'other' end of the housing to the 'cup' you want to remove. A long drift punch at an angle (through the housing & grease) working around the edge should do it with light taps from a hammer.

Many here will know the technique of welding a bead around the face of the bearing cup to loosen it. The bearing cup will expand slightly then shrink back more when cool. It will nearly fall out then.
You can do this with stick, Mig or Tig. Scoop out some grease if it's a worry. Grease is cheap. You won't need $155 worth to refill the housing.

Mouse77 · Sep 15, 2017

Spanner......NO the shaft is in place in the spindle housing. Took assy to a shop and used their press, put 10 ton plus on it and nothing moved...was not wanting to put much more on it for fear of something breaking and spitting out....yes I am fully aware how to get a race out of a housing, have used the welding method to shrink the race numerous times on races in aluminum truck hubs.