Shopsmith Forums

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.

tprowood wrote: Fri Mar 29, 2024 10:24 pm 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

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

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

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

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

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?

tprowood wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2024 10:46 am 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?

Spinning it cold, stops before after a couple rotations.

tprowood wrote: Sat Mar 30, 2024 12:14 pm 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