70chall440
Member
- Joined
- Oct 30, 2014
- Messages
- 10
I threw the belt on my 853 which actually had become 3 belts. I purchased a new belt from Bobcat and then set about repairing it. As part of this process I removed the fixed tensioner to inspect it, what I found were bearings that had gone bad, so I called Bobcat. Turns out they didn't have bearings for it and stated that they didn't have anything for the fixed tensioner any longer, rather that it was supposed to replaced by the spring loaded one which was $400. After inspecting the fixed version I discovered that it had simple timkin bears so I picked some new ones up at my local auto parts store. At this point, thing went somewhat south; I packed the bearings with grease (yes I know they were supposed to have oil). That said I also discovered that when I bolted the pulley down it would lock up. I discovered that the rear bearing was bearing on the shaft shoulder which leads me to believe that either something was worn out or I had the wrong bearings (it looked cobbled when I removed it). Subsequently I relented and paid the $400. At this point it gets interesting and the point of this post, the new tensioner does not have a threaded hole in the top for a threaded rod which I believe is what is used to set the tension (as per the service manual). There is a metal boss cast into the bracket which can be drilled and taped but I am wondering why there isn't one there. I am wondering if anyone here can shed any light into this issue. The tensioner cannot be "tensioned" without the rod as there isn't enough room to work and leverage it up and tighten the bolt. Plus I cannot see how 1 3/8 bolt is enough support for it even if there was. Any help or insight is greatly appreciated.