Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Murray Mower Issue, spindle shaft, new shaft

Question
Hi John,

I have a Murray Mower 309029xNA. I've been having some problems lately. To start, while my girlfriend was moving she accidentally hit a small metal post we have sticking up about 2" in the yard. She hit it dead center with the deck causing it to bend and the blade to literally wedge itself into it. This also caused the belt to pop and broke my idler pulley. I managed to pound it out with a mallet, replace the pulley and mow the yard. Well my girlfriend gets on the mower again and engages the blade. It runs for about 1-2 minutes and shakes a lot until the belt pops off. So I pulled the deck and made sure that the blade isn't catching somewhere. It wasn't, and I went ahead and replaced the blade while I was at it. While replacing it, I noticed that one side of the blade was about 1/8"-1/4" lower than the other side. I tried to remount the blade and it seemed like it helped. Anyway, I started the mower back up and it happened again. It seems as though everything is moving as it should, but the blade being uneven and the shaking makes me think that the shaft may be bent. I'm ordering a new shaft (since Murray parts are extremely hard to find otherwise), but thought I would ask you if you  could think of anything else. I'm really tired of fighting to keep this mower running, among everything else. Anyway, as always any help/advice you offer is greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hello Kenneth:

From your Description it Sounds like the Spindle Shaft and the Blade Require Replacing. If the Spindle Shaft is Bent, then the Bearing Inside the Spindle Housing are being Heated Up by the Imbalance of the Bent Blade and Shaft. That is Why it the Belt Jumps Off the Pulley. I Suggest Replacing the Bearings Whenever a Spindle Shaft is Damaged. If the Spindle Took a Hit Hard enough to Bend the Shaft, then the Bearing Usually are Damaged also. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John