PTO shaft bearings

[69ranger]

Since I am fixing this Cub up to mow with, and my PTO has probably seen a lot of use, I figured I might take the PTO apart this week end.
It appears to need at least the out side bearing as its pretty loose, and the grease zert is missing. So I will have to fix that.
Is this zert the only grease that the bearing get? Probably too high in the trans to lubricate off of the trans oil?

It looks like there is part of it still left in the hole, that will have to be removed. If I remember right zerts are hard as a rock, so that may be fun..
The PTO will spin very freely when you twist the shaft, probably a little freer than it should.
I tested the PTO when I first got the tractor and was giving it a going over. It was pretty quiet, but it was hard to tell with the mower on the tractor and running. I did noticed the shaft move in and out some.

After I got the mower off, and the pulley off, I can pull the shaft in and out about and 1/8 inch or a little more.
So something is wrong, and looking at the service and parts manuals there appears to be a snap ring in there on the shaft, behind the bearing.
Is this what holds the shaft from moving in and out? Maybe its missing? Maybe the bearings are just that worn?

I just kind of wanted to know what you all thought, before I tore into this part of the tractor.
I have not been into this part before, but I will soon know how it works too.

Well thanks for the help.
Brad

[Dale Finch]

First, that grease fitting is a pressed in fitting...not screw in. Available auto parts store, or from TM Tractors:

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/pt/212fp.htm

Second, you are correct that there should be virtually NO in/out movement of the PTO shaft. That is often caused by stakings to wear on the older STAKED bearing style shaft. It can allow the PTO shaft to move rearward, disengaging the clutch (either completely or partially and grinding).

As you noted, the newer shafts have a retainer ring that prevents movement.
http://www.tmtractor.com/new/pt/514fp.htm

It's easy to work on the PTO, and while you are in there, check the condition of the PTO shifter pin...it can get worn and cause the grinding as well.
http://www.tmtractor.com/new/pt/317fp.htm

This post might help:
http://farmallcub.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=100075

[69ranger]

Thank you Dale for the informative post, and links.
So I see what you are saying about the grease zert. I should be able to find one easy enough.

Tonight after supper, I went out and warmed up the shop tonight and pulled it all apart. So I figured out the trouble, or I think I did, and it was not in the bearing, as I had thought. It is probably worn some, but no where near worn out.
The bearing is not staked tightly enough on the shaft, so there is movement there. Also the large retainer ring is missing out of the bearing housing.


There is a flat spot worn on the PTO shifter pin, and it appears that it is supposed to be round.

So I will probably need to either drill this out, and replace this pin with some drill rod, and weld it in place or buy and new one.

I guess I will go to the Dealer tomorrow and see if they can get the retainer.

Well thanks again for the information.

Brad

[Dale Finch]

Many folks have drilled out the warn pin, and cut a section of drill bit and welded it in, as you suggested. I have a couple that were done for me at the Barnyard Bash, and are working fine.

I used a hand driven drill bit to remove a broken off base for one of those drive-in zerk fittings. Just started it into the hole enough to get it "stuck" in, and pull it vertically up & out.

While you have the PTO out, check the shaft pilot bushing...if you had much movement in the shaft, it may have gotten worn out. Just like the main clutch drive shaft pilot bushing, it will need to be reamed after installation. There is either a HOW TO or regular post for removing the old bushing fairly easily.