Wobbly bushing on middle spindle IH/Danco C3 mower for 1975 Cub

[denzeljh]

Last year several of you gave me some great advice on how to replace the bearing in the middle spindle of my ICH/Danco C3 belly mower. For reference: https://farmallcub.com/community/th...ub-woods-or-international.117168/#post-933224

This year, the straight key either shredded or went missing during a mow, so I went to replace it but now I have the opposite problem from last year. Instead of needing a puller to get the bushing off (once the taper lock was broken), the whole assembly, bushing and pulley just slid easily off the spindle.

I was pleased initially, until I went to put it back together. It was then I realized that, even when the bushing is tightened to the pulley, it doesn't grip against the spindle, wobbles pretty substantially, and drops all the way down on the shaft, even with a slightly bigger key. I went ahead and bought a new bushing, figuring it was worn on the inside from too much wobble over time, but no luck. I still have the same problem.

I realize it is possible that the spindle is now too worn for a proper fit. It doesn't look that way to me, but maybe that's just wishful thinking. Photos attached.

I would be grateful for any thoughts on whether I am missing something obvious (very possible) before I go ahead and buy a new spindle and replace the whole thing.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[tst]

if the bushing spun on the shaft it may have worn down the shaft or made the hole in the pulley bigger, in the pic shaft looks ok from what I can see

 

[staninlowerAL]

You could try to get a measurement of the shaft OD above the bushing and compare it to the OD shaft size that's under the bushing to see if there is any difference (wear). It looks like there is a difference in the picture but that's just a WAG. Before you start buying/replacing parts you could try to shim the shaft a bit to see if the bushing will tighten on the shaft. If it's a small amount, I've used aluminum soda can for shim stock. It's thin and flexible enough that multiple wraps will conform to the shaft shape. You can hold it in place using clear 2 inch packing tape or double sided adhesive tape until it's all bolted together, Once it's all bolted up tight it should run straight and smooth. Another option is to purchase a steel bushing that will fit tight over the shaft and split it to create a slot to fit over the key. JMHO Stan

 

[Cubfriend]

Looking at your picture with the bushing in place, the bushing looks too big for the shaft. Measure the Shaft O.D. And the bushing I.D. And talk with your supplier to see if they are compatible. The bushing may not be correct for your shaft. I don’t know if they made a first design and a later design that may be different?