I have a NH 57 rake, purchased new in 2004. One of the tires would not stay inflated so I took the wheel off the frame to have the tire replaced. The wheel assembly includes a 5/8ths bolt inside a sleeve and the sleeve is inside bushings on the wheel. A dust cap at either end.
When I took the wheel off I found one dust cap gone, the other almost all gone and the sleeve worn through at both ends. Since I lube the wheel on the recommended schedule I was surprised. I took the other wheel off and found a similar condition except that one dust cap was still in good shape.
I speculate that the factory or dealer tighten the lock nut on the 5/8s bolt too much causing the wheel to grind the dust caps and sleeve. But I am not sure.
I am looking for recommendations on how much to tighten the wheel lock nut when I reassemble. Should the sleeve and wheel both spin freely? Or should it be tight enough to hold the sleeve and dust caps tight but still allow the wheel to spin freely?
thanks
Brad :?:
When I took the wheel off I found one dust cap gone, the other almost all gone and the sleeve worn through at both ends. Since I lube the wheel on the recommended schedule I was surprised. I took the other wheel off and found a similar condition except that one dust cap was still in good shape.
I speculate that the factory or dealer tighten the lock nut on the 5/8s bolt too much causing the wheel to grind the dust caps and sleeve. But I am not sure.
I am looking for recommendations on how much to tighten the wheel lock nut when I reassemble. Should the sleeve and wheel both spin freely? Or should it be tight enough to hold the sleeve and dust caps tight but still allow the wheel to spin freely?
thanks
Brad :?: