Needle bearings on variable speed pulley

Model number: 13AG675G033 serial:1L096C60045. Engine is Tecumseh OHV16-204216D(H) D.OM. 63265.


I was changing the drive belt on my old MTD and thought I would check the needle bearings on the variable speed pulley. Well the top ones are OK, but the bottom needle bearings are not so great. have quite a few of the "needles" missing. I know that MTD sell the needle bearings, but will I be able to change them using regular hand tools? If so, how do you get them out of the variator? The middle sheave moves freely and I would hate to spend the money on a new variator if it just needs the needle bearings.
Thanks in advance!

 

IMO if the needles are falling out or missing, the rest of the bearing is worn and I would not return it to service. I don't know if the needles are available but as far as I know those are sealed bearings and have no zerk and are not meant to be serviced. Especially given the amount of labor involved in changing those pulleys once let alone multiple times.

 

Thanks for the quick reply BFHFixit. Yes, they sell the bearings (941-0404), but it looks like they are press fit in somehow. I just don't know how I would get the old ones out and the new bearings in without damaging the new ones.

 

From a quick look at the price of that bearing, I am guessing the entire pulley with bearing would not be that much more.
You would need to press on the outer race both to remove the old and install the new.

 

I've used a socket that fits just right as a driver for these needle bearings. They aren't pressed in super tightly.

 

Thanks for the replies!
So, If I lay the variator flat on its side, Maybe on a flat piece of wood with the appropriate size hole drilled through it, I can put a socket over the top needle bearing (with the same diameter) and drive it all the way through the variator and both bearings will come out? That is what I am thinking about doing. Glad to know they are not pressed in very hard.
Maybe I can press them in with a rubber mallet and piece of wood? I just don't want to spend the money on the bearings only to mess them up trying to put them in!
A new variator is more than $100. While the needle bearings I have searched around for can be found for about $12.00 each.

 

Yes, that's how I've done it. It might take some persuasion to get the old ones out but the new ones normally go in easily enough. Be gentle and try not to let the needles fall out of the new ones.

 

Good deal!
That is what I wanted to hear!
As always, thanks Cheese!