Found a weird trick for getting a stubborn governor rope sheave back on its shaft

Had a 90s Otis traction job where the governor rope sheave was seized tight on the shaft, wouldn't budge with heat or a gear puller. Out of ideas, I grabbed a bottle of the penetrating oil we keep for door hanger pins and soaked the hub overnight. Next morning, I tapped the hub with a brass drift while a partner turned the sheave with a pipe wrench, and it popped free after a few tries. Has anyone else found a good method for this that doesn't risk messing up the shaft?

3 comments

3 Comments

thomas1054d ago

Sometimes the shaft itself gets a slight bend from years of load. That distortion can create a high spot that locks the hub in place. Checking runout with a dial indicator before forcing anything can save a ton of grief.

oscar_fox24d ago

Consider the shaft's keyway for a hidden cause of binding. A burr or worn key can lock things up tight after years of service. A careful file and emery cloth on the key might save the shaft from puller damage.

amyk4624d ago

Spot on. Had that exact thing happen on an old mower deck.