brass axle bearings?

[TripleDeuce50 0]

I was putting the chains on my 7116 and noticed alot of slop on the right rear tire. I just got the tractor about 2 months ago only mowed with it twice before winter set in. I proceeded to take of the axle shaft collar to find that the hub was missing a brass axle bearing!! Well good thing I have a 7013 parts tractor and it had a good one on it. Well now the question...How often do these wear out and do these wear sooner based on the amount of weight on the rear of the tractor? I realize if yah never grease them they will wear sonner. I already have wheel weights but I also wanted to load with Winsheild fluid but now may be hesitant too. What do you all think? comments?

[maxtorman1234 0]

As long as they're greased, they shouldnt wear much. All of mine i have seen hardly show any wear. Some have been used alot too. But i've never seen one wear out. The weights shouldnt really affect it.

[Ronald Hribar 91]

This is my personal opinion. I would not hesitate to put fluid in tires. This you can use year around. However the wheel weights and of course the chains should not be used in summer. ( my father left chains on all summer to mow with. It gave a whole new meaning to stripes. The reason I do not recommend extra weight in summer as you tend to be moving faster stopping quickly and reversing. I would excercise caution in winter also. That is my opinion

[dhardin 0]

Yes grease would be a "good thing". But I don't think the wheel weights and fluids will harm or give much of any extra wear on these brass bushing. This type of weight will not be resting on the bushing/bearing. Now a weight box, a loader or a big tiller will. And then only if it left on all year and you use the tractor for a lot of long drives. Maybe a exceptionally large person mowing a lot of grass might give the brass some good wear. But I'd rather say the past owner never greased it. Witch will wear these bearing faster than all the above. Id say don't worry, GO 4 IT. Have some fun.... Its just my opionion. PS you might check when you have it apart that theres no berrs on the axel itself causing it to eat into the brass. Clean it out real good, replace them, and grease it up. With new or your used ones witch ever is easier.