GETTING YOUR REAR IN GEAR

    Recently I received an e-mail in regards to an American Lincoln Model 3366XP. He explained that since his tire was pneumatic, flats were a common problem. Furthermore, he explained that on this occasion it feels as if the tires were flat but was not. “What other problem could it be?” I affirmed that it was probably the radial bearing. But first we had to discuss pneumatic tires. “GET RID OF IT!” I suggested. Replace it either with a solid pneumatic or foam fill it.” There is nothing more problematic than a pneumatic.

    Now, let’s discuss radial bearings. The radial bearing is usually around 6 inches in diameter and located between the rear fork and the bearing plate. In the parts manual, American Lincoln shows the part in the rear steer tire section, exploded view.

    This design is common on all large American Lincoln riders, including the models 7700, 7760 Sweeper/Scrubbers. It is as well used on Power Boss equipment. Power Boss does not use the rack and pinion method but other than that, both systems are relatively the same. Those models examples are the TSS80 or TSS90. The Tennant such as Model 6500 has its own design as well as the Nilfish Advance machines. We can discuss those at another time.

    Why do these radial bearings go bad? Well, there are several reasons:

    1. Lack of grease. In the American Lincoln manual it will say to grease

these every 100 hours. So, it is safe to say, done every 80 to 100 hours

you will be okay.

    2. Going up or down bumps or uneven flooring/pavement there is a lot of

weight, in fact, the whole rear of the machine, is on this one bearing.

    So, it does need replaced from time to time. There is no easy way to replace it

    1. First, jack the rear of the machine in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions. Once raised, I always use railroad

ties on “each” side for support.

    2. It is easier, but no necessary to remove the tire and get it out of your way.

    3. From the top, there is a ¾-16 castle slotted nut. Remove first the cotter pin, then remove the nut. On the American Lincoln it has the spur gear so you a gear puller for this step. The gear is held with a ¼” square key. Be careful not to damage the shaft on the rear fork. At this point, the rear fork should be

loose enough to slide down out of the bearing plate.

    4. Inspect both surfaces this radial bearing rides on. If it checks out okay, grease

both surfaces and the bearing with a good 90W lube oil.

    5. Assemble with these instructions in reverse. Easy, right? Right!

    I told the customer, one other thing, I forgot to mention about this model 3366XP he had. Well, if it’s diesel, you have to first remove the gas tank.

    Any comments, please call at 1-800-346-2319 or e-mail me at mikec98423@yahoo.com.

                                                                                        Michael R. Creamer