340S Idler wheel kit

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Wed Jul 30, 2008 9:22 pm

Here are some pictures of an interesting find on my 340/S front swing arm shaft. It was a hard brass shaft with the original aluminum sleeve over it for for the front springs to ride and center on. I can't believe the brass did not break. I had to saws all it into to get it apart. I'm almost positive the originals were steel.

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Danzig · Post by **Danzig** » Sat Aug 02, 2008 10:49 pm

Aluminum makes brass stronger and more corrosion resistant. Aluminum also causes a highly beneficial hard layer of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) to be formed on the surface that is thin, transparent and self healing. Tin has a similar effect and finds its use especially in sea water applications (naval brasses). Combinations of iron, aluminum, silicon and manganese make brass wear and tear resistant. A well known alloy used in the automotive industry is 'LDM C673', where the combination of manganese and silicon leads to a strong and resistant brass

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Mon Aug 11, 2008 9:49 pm

I just wanted to give you guys a bearing update. The 6205-2RS is the correct bearing used in the idler wheels on the 340/S. The same bearing is used on the two front idlers as well as the three rear idlers. A reducer bushing must be used to adapt them from 25mm to 3/4"(rear) or the 5/8" used on the front. The only aftermarket bushings I've found are plastic. When installed it makes the bearing thicker than the stock one. If you can salvage the original reducer bushings and re-use them it may be best.

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:16 pm

Here are my rebuilt idlers. The smaller ones are outboard wheels used in the additional idler wheel kit.

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427cobra · Post by **427cobra** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 3:24 pm

NICE JOB TROY! I'm glad I kept those extra idlers around now that I know they can be rebuilt...

Jack Frost · Post by **Jack Frost** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 10:55 pm

Troy the wheels look great! What kind of rivits did you use?

Dave

HoosierDeereMan · Post by **HoosierDeereMan** » Tue Aug 19, 2008 1:31 am

Dave,

I used 3/16" diameter x 5/16" length solid aluminum rivets from McMaster-Carr. They came in a bag of 250 for $9 maybe $10. I would try a longer rivet as the ones is used were 1-1/2 times the length I needed but did not produce the same head when flattened as the originals. I'm guessing a 7/16" length might produce the correct results.

Good luck,
Troy