Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Replacing mower deck mandrel housing assembly, proper eye protection, spindle shaft

Question
QUESTION: Hi Paul,

I have a SEARS (Murry?) 10 H.P. LAWN TRACTOR 502255790 with a shot bearing in one of the mower deck blade housings.  I believe the lower half parts list calls it a "Mandrel Housing Assembly" where the bearing lives.

I've got the blade off, but the housing is going now where without the pully coming off.  The parts list diagram shows a Woodruff Key No.6 keying into blade adapter or Mandrel?  

How do I get this thing apart?

ANSWER: Pull the deck off, knock the mandrel out the top and replace the bearing housing.

Not always easy.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks.  Sound like I'll be hammering hard.  I also have a spare parts and reassembling questions.

I have a spare deck with a good mandrel housing assembly that will fit.  Is it possible to salvage that housing without damaging?  I'm afraid hammering the mandrel out of the good housing will damage the bearings.

Could I cut the mandrel top off the good housing (via angle grinder), and salvage the mandrel from the bad housing.  Will that give me enough spare parts to make a good used setup?  

Finally, is there a technique for getting the woodruff key in during reassembling?  I can't tell how the heck it got in there in the first place.

Thanks again,
Dave

Answer
IT'S HAMMER TIME!!!!!!

I hope pounding the mandrel out doesn't hurt the bearings or I've got a lot of pissed off customers.

It will be hard to get the old mandrel out without  damaging the threads.

The spindle shaft, I hate the word "mandrel" will knock out pretty easily.

Actually there is no reason to knock the "spindle" shaft out of the old housing.  If the bearings are good, and the "spindle" is straight, swap the entire assembly.

To install the woodruff key, here we go again, knock it in with a hammer. (Liability disclaimer here, wear proper eye protection)