Snow Thrower Chain & Bearing Maintenance

[Tacey 0]

"The Continuing Story Of 'Snow Thrower Face-Lift" Well I got the auger out of my snow thrower (see post # 6066 below). I wire-wheeled everything, and now I'm waiting on some POR-15 paint I ordered & a Body Scraper part from my friendly Simplicity dealer. I was wondering if it's prudent to clean the drive chain and the bearings? They seem to work fine, but I have not done this type of work before. If it's a good practice to clean these items, how do I do it (using what product and/or method)? I figure that getting this snowthrower has kept the snowman away..it was sunny & 65 degrees here in Pennsylvania today. I'll be putting the mower deck on...lol Thanks a lot. Tacey

[geezer 0]

well while your waiting for the parts to come in you can clean the chain and bearings and relube them for the rebuild. just remove the chain and put the master link and safety lock on then soak it in a good penetrating oil like in a large coffee can no need to fill it just enough to cover the chain shake it around (just to get the oil in the tight spots). then get it good and dry (compressed air will do it). then soak it in gear oil . same with bearings but when your drying them don't spin them with air they could self destruct makes for a bad day. well anyway that is how i clean them. good luck with the rebuild

[PatRarick 1]

While it's apart, you should consider replacing the bearings. They aren't that expensive, and can save a lot of headaches down the line. The chain is easier to replace, but if it's worn, it will eventually ruin the sprockets. Lay the chain on your workbench and "compress" it by pushing each link against the next. Measure the chain, then stretch it. On a chain of that length, the difference should not be more than 1/8". Another test is to hold the chain straight out, like a bar, sideways, and note how much it curves. On a chain of this length, a drop of about 3/4" is the maximum I would accept. Any more than that shows that the chain is "iffy". It should be replaced. As to the bearings, they should turn quietly, easily, and smoothly, with a slight drag. If they spin real free, they are on their way out. That means the grease has left them. If the grease gets out, water gets in, and the bearings are gone. Total cost of replacement chain and bearings should be no more than $25-$30, which I would consider "cheap insurance". Pat