Replace drive shaft on George White snowblower

severtki · Dec 22, 2020

Picked up a 5' unit for use with my Kubota B series, and it appears the u joints are pretty well shot near the implement (bad chatter on the shaft when even slightly out of direct alignment). Can't quite tell how to remove and replace drive shaft, looks like some kind of set screw, but can't believe that's all that would attach the shaft to the imp.
Anyone dealt with one of these before?

Reb954 · Dec 22, 2020

Your first picture almost appears to show a pin or broken bolt that goes through the coupler and shaft. If it is you will have to drive it out but it may be a tapered pin so be sure to drive it out the right direction.

The second picture does appear to be a set screw so you can just take it out. With the pin and set screw out you should be able to use pry bars to slide the coupler off the shaft but sometimes that can be difficult so you may have to heat the coupler a bit. Spray it down with a good penetrant first.

metalbender · Dec 22, 2020

Replace the joint in position? The yoke isn't coming off anytime soon.

severtki · Dec 23, 2020

metalbender said:
Replace the joint in position? The yoke isn't coming off anytime soon.

I was sure hoping to replace the whole drive shaft and be done with it. I might try to remove it and then when it doesn't come off, I'll come back and tell you that you were right!

Reb954 · Dec 23, 2020

severtki said:
I was sure hoping to replace the whole drive shaft and be done with it. I might try to remove it and then when it doesn't come off, I'll come back and tell you that you were right!

Your local auto parts store should have them.

Make sure the spline/slip joint isn't worn out first.

metalbender · Dec 23, 2020

Auto supply store may have rental tools. U joint tool is like a heavy duty c clamp. Watch a few You Tube vids on the subject. Need to take care to do it properly, little bearing pins get into the bearing cup, cause headaches. Been there done that, no T shirt. I've replaced many in my 44 years as a vehicle tech.

severtki · Dec 23, 2020

metalbender said:
Auto supply store may have rental tools. U joint tool is like a heavy duty c clamp. Watch a few You Tube vids on the subject. Need to take care to do it properly, little bearing pins get into the bearing cup, cause headaches. Been there done that, no T shirt. I've replaced many in my 44 years as a vehicle tech.

Good pointers, thanks! I think space will be very tight to do it in place because of shroud welded around the yoke area. First step probably to wrestle shaft assembly off yoke. Waiting for PB to soak in real good.

severtki · Jan 2, 2021

I ended up replacing the tractor-side U-joint as a first step, and when I got everything lubed up well, the shaft turned cleanly without clunking. I'm sure I'll have to replace the driveshaft down the line, but this should get me through this winter nicely.

Thanks, everyone, for all the help on this!