deeregus
New member
After much searching I can't locate a service manual for the '97 Z222 I'm restoring, but did find a spindle bearing relacement page for the SW4200 at manualslib.com which shows the same spacer tube between the brngs my Z222 has and says only 55 ft/lb torque on the bolts upper and lower. I've been rebuilding engines and using a torque wrench for 40 yrs and that 55 seems real light on a blade bolt. I never torqued a blade bolt in my life except by hand and usually use a 1/2" right angle air wrench and give a final ~ 1/4 trurn or less to snug it down good. BUT with the spacer tube setup when U draw down the blade bolt (tighten upper/pulley nut first) the washer under the bolt cup bears down on the inner race of the lwr bearing drawing ito the spacer tube and thus preloading the bearing balls in their race, which seems 2 B critical 2 me. Is that why it's only 55lbs torque? When I tightened the blade bolt yesterday I gave the torque wrench an extra twist likely turning it down to maybe 75lbs and I think I should retorque to the lesser spec today. Don't know how much torque it would take to damage the new ZLSK brngs and don't want 2 find out. As it is the blade keeps on going and going when U give it even a slight spin by hand, but that spec worries me. Other sources of "wisdom" on the web have guys saying they put up to 100lbs on that bolt and some idiot at a Toro shop using a 1" !!! impact gun on them which could strip threads on that 5/8" bolt. Comments??? Specs spercific to the Z222?? Service manual link? Thx Gus