Greasing plastic bushings

Russ from MN · Sep 23, 2023

We have a 2017 JD z-turn that has been a very good machine, and today I had it in the shop to sharpen the blades and clean the deck. As long as I had the front end up in the air i took the front caster wheels all apart. It has nice sealed bearings in the wheels, but the caster pivots are just plastic bushing, with some wear. I greased everything before I put it back together, do you think that was worthwhile?

DoubleO7 · Sep 23, 2023

If you mow a lush lawn it will be okay.

But if you might get airborne sand up around there the sand might get in the grease and grind on the plastic.

rustred · Sep 23, 2023

the ford twin i beams from the 60's and 70's went to nylon bushings in the kingpins... so it has to be ok. it is not new technology.

T.R.K. · Sep 23, 2023

They used plastic bushings because those places seldom get grease. And they want it to get a reasonable life before the bushings failed.
I usually do grease them. I understand the 'don't grease it because it just attracts dust arguement too. I just never had a plastic bushing fail that I was sure dust was the problem.

I have seen some on MTD riders that the shaft rusts and swells and then freezes tight inside the plastic bushing. On the front spindles. A little grease would have probably kept the rust down.

Mule Meat · Sep 24, 2023

Powdered Graphite is the best lube for nylon bushings.

It lubes and does not attract dirt.

Greasing plastic bushings

Russ from MN

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DoubleO7

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rustred

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T.R.K.

Well-known Member

Mule Meat

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