Idler shaft gets super hot

[tprowood]

The idler shaft on my mark v (SS 41594) is getting super hot. I suspect the bearing is shot. I took the belts off, and it spins, but seems to have a lot of drag. I looked on eBay, but I can’t figure out what bearings will fit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[DLB]

The idler shaft on my mark v (SS 41594) is getting super hot. I suspect the bearing is shot. I took the belts off, and it spins, but seems to have a lot of drag. I looked on eBay, but I can’t figure out what bearings will fit. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

As far as I know the bearing is not replaceable. At one time there were ebay aftermarket new shaft/bearing assemblies with the old style bearing, (aka water pump bearing) but I don't see those now. Shopsmith is selling a new style, with two distinct ball bearings. The new ones are shielded, not sealed like the old. My experience with the new style is on the PowerPro, it is a different assembly but appears to have the same bearings. My experience with that hasn't been great, or even good, but some people like it.

IIWM I'd likely buy a used Idler Shaft, either with or without sheaves. I think the old style bearings are that much better.

- David

[JPG]

BTW the idler shaft getting hot is "typical". Attaching a hub helps dissipate heat.

[tprowood]

JPG
When you say hot, how hot? Mine is almost to hot to touch. Thanks.

[JPG]

Almost is the key. That makes me think 'typical'.

[tprowood]

Thanks. I’m new to this SS universe, just getting my bearings, pun intended.

[tprowood]

Follow up question on hot idler. I’ve taken it out, and spun it by hand. It spins, but not ‘freely’, ie stops rotating real fast, it doesn’t coast after I stop spinning it. Thoughts? Is it worn out?

[edma194]

ie stops rotating real fast, it doesn’t coast after I stop spinning it. Thoughts? Is it worn out?

How long does it take to stop? Are you trying it while it's hot?

[tprowood]

Spinning it cold, stops before after a couple rotations.

[DLB]

Spinning it cold, stops before after a couple rotations.

I have a loose one, uninstalled. With both sheaves on it for inertia and spinning it by hand it stops in about 3 seconds. I'd guess around 4 or 5 rotations. If yours is fully installed the button bearing would also come into play. Typically button bearings spin very freely.

- David