[willie]

Hi Y'all, I need to replace the needle bearings in the drive chain case (LH). I removed the drive chain case from the mower. The 3/8"screw that holds the auxiliary brake drum on one end is froze up & will not unscrew. The big nut on the other end of same shaft unscrewed & I took that (chain case) side off.
Does any one how to unfreeze the 3/8" screw without harming the shaft or
chain?


THANKS, willie

 

[Maytag]

Try P B Blaster Penetrating Catalyst. It's available at Home Depot or auto parts stores. It's similar to WD40 but WAY better for loosening rusty frozen bolts. If all you can get is WD40 then at least try it. Whatever you use spray it on and let it soak overnight and try reapplying several times.

Also if everything in the area of the frozen bolt is metal you could try some heat from a propane torch. Try to aim the heat at the outer metal to make it expand more than the bolt to help loosen it enough where a wrench can break the rust. CAREFUL - if you sprayed any chemicals on it they could ignite!! Also some taps on the head of the bolt straight in line with the length of the bolt with a hammer might help break some rust, but tread carefully so as not to distort anything. Don't hammer side to side - you'll just bend the bolt.
<disclaimer> I am not a mechanic, but these tips have worked for me.
Good Luck!
>Maytag

 

[Rentahusband]

Agree with Maytag.

 

[usmcgrunt]

I've had good success with either a hand held impact driver you whack with a hammer,or,an 18 volt DeWalt impact driver.Worse case scenario,you snap the bolt and have to drill,e-z out and re-tap the hole.Good luck with what ever way you try.

 

[willie]

It worked !!! The P B Blaster did help break the 3/8" screw free. 2 days of soaking the screw &
clamping the cup (auxiliary brake drum) in a 4 " bench vice. I was able to break the
screw loose.

THANKS for the advice Maytag

 

[Maytag]

YEAH!! MY FIRST VICTORY! WAY TO GO WILLIE! WHAT TEAMWORK! GLAD I COULD HELP!

Ok - I'll go back to my cage now. LOL

>Maytag