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Gordon in IN
05-07-2005 19:36:15
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Re: W D HELP me GORDON squashed spider bushings in reply to SETH S, 05-06-2005 07:00:28
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The best way (and only safe, proper way) to repair the spider gears is to replace them with spider gears that DO NOT HAVE BUSHINGS. The later year model WD and WD45 spider gears do not have bushings at all. This makes the gears stronger and eliminates the problem of the bushings (usually "split bushings") from causing trouble, comming out, wearing, or squishing out. The last time I checked (years ago) I could still get a new spider gear "KIT" (consisting of two spider gears, a spider gear shaft, and a retaining pin) for my WD from my friendly ARCO (Allis) Dealer. The cost was so high that I did not consider it at all. So it really does not matter if they are available new or not, at least to me. The dealers did sell a LOT of these KITS over the years. I would highly recommend that you get those spider gears with the bad bushings out no matter what. If one of these bushings comes all the way out and is "fed" through the gears (pinion and ring gear or spider gear and axle gears) it will destroy the differential and probably the main casting. OK, now what to do. Check the used parts places, the tractor parts places that advertise on this forum, tractor junk yards, etc. Try to find a set of GOOD USED spider gears WITHOUT THE BUSHINGS. Many or the WD tractors that were actually USED and USED HARD had to have these spider gears replaced years ago. So there should be a lot of them around. If you can find a set of spider gears in a tractor junk yard that will let YOU take them out,you might save some money. Be sure to take yours out of your tractor FIRST so that you know how to do the job and are comfortable with the job. It is NOT easier to take them out in the junk yard. Be sure to get the gears, shaft and retaining pin. If you can find them (without spending TOO MUCH)to replace the "BAD" ones. Be careful, the VERY LATE WD and the WD45 spider gears are LARGER and will NOT FIT the standard WD differential. And I am reasonably sure that the WD45 differential will not fit in the WD rear end casting. In answer to your question about "FIT" of the spider gears. The spider gears should be a "free spinning" (.001 to .0025 inch clearance)fit on the spider gear shaft. The assembly runs in gear lube so a LITTLE EXTRA clearance may not be too bad. The spider gears should fit in between the axle gears with just a very little "PLAY" between the gear teeth. When replacing the spider gears be sure to install the spider gear shaft 180 degrees rotated from its original position to get the benefit of a new "wear surface". This is usually helpful unless you run the tractor in reverse more than forward gears. OK, what to do if you cannot get GOOD spider gears without bushings. If your spider gears are in good condition (except for the "squashed out" split bushings), You might remove the bad split bushings and have new SOLID (not split) bushings made and pressed into the spider gears. The bushings should be made of high strength steel. Even then, this is only a "MAKESHIFT" answer. It would probably be OK for a "parade tractor" or a "show tractor". I would not be comfortable disking or brush hogging with such spider gears with bushings of any kind and using the brakes in tight turns. I hope that you can find a new or good used set of spider gears (without bushings)somewhere. Good luck, Gordon in IN
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