I cry Uncle. I need help.

[Iplayfarmer]

I'm trying to get the bearings out of their races for the mower deck on my John Deere 111 lawn mower. I've gotten them this far, but I can't seem to get the retaining rings out of their grooves.

How do I get these rings out? Is there some special tool?

See the pictures for more info.

 

[MrJimi]

On picture #2 on the right side, it looks like that snap-ring would be the key to getting it out, try prying it with a small screwdriver and it should come out for you
Jim

 

[Iplayfarmer]

The snap ring is the problem. I'm used to snap rings having two holes for a set of snap ring pliers. All I accomplish when I try to pry is to chase the thing around in circles.

 

[MrJimi]

Very carefully grab it from that little lip that I see and use a pair of big channel locks or you may have a pair of needle nose pliers that will grab lip and opposite side of snap ring and make very sure you don't pinch your hands or fingers, It's one of those situations and get all the grease off you can for a better grip
And I have chase them around also Shh
Jim

 

[Sandlot]

These things are a bit tricky. Take two small screwdrivers, first take one and put it behind the snap ring where the taper is and gently pry it out. As the gap appears, slide the other screwdriver behind it. Now you can start walking it out as you move the driver around the ring. You want to pry it up out of the grove as you move around. Use the other driver under the snap ring to keep it from falling back into the grove. If the darn thing will not hold still enough to accomplish this, try vicegrips to hold the other end tight against the grove until you get it started. If this doesn't work, it's time to get out the drill. Get a punch and give it a good wack near one of the ends. This stuff is HARD, so smack it good, get a good spot to start the drill in or it walk all over the place. Drill the hole and use it to pry the ring out of the grove.

 

[Timber]

LOL you might need a pic or at least it would make it a lot easier. that will pull it out and up at the same time and not let it drop back in the groove. Patients and a little finesse, a pic and a thin screw driver

 

[irwin]

LOL you might need a pic or at least it would make it a lot easier. that will pull it out and up at the same time and not let it drop back in the groove. Patients and a little finesse, a pic and a thin screw driver

yep..keep trying..Timbers (and other's) advice will work, hey.. get this one out and the next time will be a snap.. I do this sort of thing all the time..small screwdrivers, picks, etc`.. get several near you when you try.

 

[MrJimi]

We're all in suspense, did ya get them out?

 

[CATMAN]

Wear safety glasses on this type of work or tie a loose wire thru the hole to help catch that retaining ring IF it flys out of the bore. Two or three small screwdrivers usually works. Sometimes it feels like you need three hands, too. Put the bearing block in a vise so it isn't moving around on you when you pry at the ring. Sometimes, one uses a large flat blade screwdriver behind the tang and rotate it. This opens up a little clearance behind the thicker part of the retaining ring where you can start inserting the smaller tip flat blade screwdrivers and work your way around counterclockwise or clockwise.

 

[whitetiger]

Drill a 1/8" hole from the outside in, inline with your snapring groove. Drill the hole into the open area between the snapring ends to keep from breaking the bit. Turn the snapring in its groove so 3/4 to 1" past the hole. stick a 1/8" punch throught the hole pushing the ring out of it's groove and stick a small screwdriver in behind it and pop it out. Fill the hole with a sealer and it is there for next time.

 

[Ifixcars]

Once you get that snap ring out, the bearing will probably need to be pressed out and the new one pressed back in.

 

[Mighty Dodge]

I just rebuilt the mower for my dad's 314. It uses the same hubs in the mower. Remove the snap ring with a screwdriver(s). Press or drive out the shaft with hammer and drift. Drive out the old bearings there's a spacer between the bearings. Clean up the hub, reinstall the new bottom bearing and snap ring. Install the shaft and the spacer. Fill the hup 75% full of grease then install the top bearing and pulley....voila.

 

[Iplayfarmer]

I did get the ring out. I started making progress when a friend showed up for the town Easter egg hunt. That third hand really makes a difference.

I just rebuilt the mower for my dad's 314...

You forgot to mention the second snap ring inside the hub. I beat on that poor bearing with everything I had before I figured out that second snap ring.

 

[Soundguy]

Sandlot has the ticket!

Soundguy