Ariens/Gravely Zero Turn Front Caster Spindle Bushing Replacement

[yankeerider]

Has anyone here replaced the front spindle bushings Part No 8 in the attached parts diagram? Wondering how much trouble they’re going to give me coming out, and hoping I can dive the lower one out with a good sized drift.

Looks like a poor design to me. No provisions for lubrication, and it looks like the “brim” of the hat wore away and has now been cutting into the caster fork (2nd picture.) I plan to weld the gouge up, and grind it smooth before reassembly after bushing replacement.

Would appreciate any comments.

 

[5030]

I would not worry about the gouge in the metal spindle, a new bushing will cover that gouge up. Far as the bushing goes, drive it out and replace it with a new one and drill the metal spindle and the new bushing and install a grease fitting and do the same with the opposite side.

That's called planned obsolescence. Most, but not all manufacturers don't make front spindles greaseable. I will say the front spindles on my wife's Cub Cadet zero turn are and so is my Kubota front mount diesel mower.