Throwout Bearing questions

[Dale Finch]

While I have Ben, my '55 Cub, apart, I need to decide IF the TOB needs to be replaced. There is some indication of slightly off-centered wear, but I do not know what is acceptable. Also, maybe you guys can say if it has enough "meat" to keep using it for now. Here are some photos:








ALso, I noticed that there is a large difference between TOB prices of TM Tractors ($90.81) and Steiners ($49.95). Anyone have knowledge of, or experience with, both these to answer why there is such a differnce?

Thanks!

[tst]

the cheap one is Taiwan junk, the IH one TM sells is made in USA, twice as much on cost$$, they even say made in USA on the casting

[Dale Finch]

Do the TM TOB's come pre-greased? And do you think I need one?

[Bill Hudson]

Dale,

As for the off-centered TOB, you might want to remove the hanger and check it out for wear and how square it is. You might find something like this.

That worn hanger did create some interesting wear on the TOB (sorry no pics of the TOB).

As for the cost, Tim has the answer. Go for the good one and, as Ed says, 'marinate' it in a ziplock bag for a while. I keep, at least, one on the shelf marinating.

Bill

[Dale Finch]

I will pull and check the hanger, but can anyone say whether I NEED a new TOB? ANd YES, I would buy the one from TM, but can anyone say whether it is pre-greased? I would marinate it anyway, but if it is pre-greased, I would feel a lot better about it.

[Don McCombs]

You NEED a new TOB! It would be foolish to button that tractor back up with that one in it. BUT... as Bill says, find out why it is wearing unevenly first.

[Dale Finch]

Thanks...order going in today, and I will check everything out this week. Appreciate your help.

[Bob McCarty]

Dale, The last IH TOB I got was wrapped in plastic and it was very obvious that it had been oiled or greased prior to packaging. If you're unsure, soak it for a day. Too much is okay, not enough isn't. I took a flat file and smoothed/flattened the graphite on one that looked like yours. It's still okay on a tractor that only gets periodic use (like most of mine). I don 't think I've read of anyone else doing that, but worst case is probably a second split and a new one. Or put in the new one and bring the old to DSCF. Or maybe that's a project on the list.

Bob

[SONNY]

Put in a new one, BUT check ALL wear points to make sure they are tight and not worn/loose/etc. thanks; sonny

[Scrivet]

Not trying to change direction here but this is a textbook illustration for why the automotive style bearings can fail quickly. The offset to the side wear pattern on the graphite illustrates perfectly that the fingers don't always make a circle centered on the graphite. If this were an automotive style bearing those fingers would be sliding back and forth (towards the center and then back out) along the face of the bearing as they spun in a single revolution. This metal on metal in and out motion could be repeated up to 1800 times per minute depending on engine speed.