QuestionQUESTION: I aquired a Craftsman snowblower with track drive, about 23 years old, and the track axle was rusty and stiff in it's bushings, and the drive wouldn't turn. I have tore the whole thing apart, and I could chuck the bar in a lathe and sand and polish it, but I fear it would rust back faster. The bushings have no grease zerks or anything. Would a new axle rod have some sort of rust resistant coating? Is there a prefered grease to assemble the stuff with?
ANSWER: Hello Jeff:
If you Send me the Model Numbers Off the Snow Blower, I can Locate the Proper Manual and Better Assist you. However, Most Contact Points where you have a Solid Bushing and No Grease Fittings, you are Going to Get Rust and Wear. Usually the Bushing is of a Softer Metal than the Shaft and the Bushing is Replaced. There is No Metal Coating that will Prevent Rust in the Bushing Contact Area of the Shaft. I Suggest you Drill and Tap the Bushing Bracket with the Bushing in the Bracket. Then Take a Hacksaw Blade and Groove the Bushing Slightly through the Full Length of the Shaft so the Channel is Connecting to the Drilled Hole in the Bushing. This Way you can Grease the Bushing and Lessen the Wear. I Use Never Seize when Assembling Equipment that is Seldom Used and is in the Weather when in Use. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks for the quick response.
the snowblower is 536884811. The bushings on the main body are brass or something. The sleeves are thin and I don't think there is enough to thread a zerk. The bushings on the track subunits are plastic. They are thicker and longer, and were causing all the drag. I didn't know about drilling the plastic, if it would weaken it too much. The units are only attaced by the axle running through them, and a tie rod across the front.
Thanks
Jeff from Manitowoc
Answer Hello Again Jeff:
Thanks. The Model Numbers were a Great Help. The Reason for having you Drill the Housings with the Bushings in Place is so the Hole is True in the Bushings and when you Tap for the Zerk Fitting you Tap the Brass Bushing and Thread the Zerk into the Brass as well as the Sleeve. The Zerk is Screwed Into the Bushing as well as the Bushing Sleeve. Drilling the Plastic Bushings the Same way will Not Effect the Plastic Bushings. I have Performed this on Several Snowblowers and Other Lawn Equipment and have had Excellent Results. You can View a Breakdown/IPL and Purchase Parts from this Addy http://www3.sears.com/ and Select the Lawn and Garden Box. Then Enter the Model Numbers and Follow the Instructions to go to the View Diagram/View Illustrated Parts List Page. Hope this Helps. I am here if you Require more Assistance. Let me know what Happens, Please. Thanks.
Good Luck
Respectfully
John
