bearings for Husqvarna mower deck?

[oilboy123]

I was going to replace the bearings on the deck of my Husqvarna TS354XD. I see the bearing numbers are 6203N1. Will 6203 2RS bearings work OK. I'm not having good luck finding that bearing number. Any tips appreciated.

Edit: Sounds like the 2RS is an upgrade?

 

[Lubener]

I would replace the whole spindle assy.

 

[ctechbob]

From what I understand about bearing numbers, the first part of the number defines the size of the bearing and the stuff after the number denotes the type of seal/no seal that is on it.

 

[FowVay]

The 6203 is the bearing size and application data. Any 6203 will fit in the hole. The 2RS specifies that the bearing is sealed on both sides with a rubber seal. The N1 specifies that the bearing has a single groove for a snap-ring. You can use the N1 with no trouble but I wouldn't pay extra for it. If your spindle bearings are sealed then I'd try to replicate that. Of course, sealed spindle bearings are a discussion all of their own and can take days to read all of the pros and cons and conspiracy theories behind them. But... I just replace like items with like items.

As long as your bearing says 6203 then it will fit in the spindle.

 

[JohnnyG]

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/r...gs-1~/permanently-lubricated-ball-bearings-8/

Looks like commonly available.

 

[oil pan 4]

I was going to replace the bearings on the deck of my Husqvarna TS354XD. I see the bearing numbers are 6203N1. Will 6203 2RS bearings work OK. I'm not having good luck finding that bearing number. Any tips appreciated.

Edit: Sounds like the 2RS is an upgrade?

You want that 4 digit part number to be the same like the "6203".
The "n1, "2rs", zz1" are your option packages. It's a code for your seals or there lack there of, bearing hardness, quality, grease type, ect.
In theory you change that option code and you could get carbide bearings with super grease and viton seals that would out last your mower, if they're available in that size and you knew the code to use.
A new spindle is like $45 now.
Order $45 worth of bearings and you can do 3 or 4 spindles. I replace bearings only in mine as long as bolts don't snap off inside the bolt holes.

 

[oilboy123]

Sorry not for the spindles. They are for the idler bearings. I have just over 70 hours on the mower. The spindle bearings are still good.

But the 6203N1s are starting to get rough, and have a lot of play. The idler bearings themselves are technically not to be replaced. You are supposed to replace the pulley assy. The pulley is 2 piece with a top, and bottom piece that each cover half of the pulley. They are riveted together. I'm thinking I can just replace the bearings only with maybe better bearings than came from Husqvarna...... I see somebody that was drilling out the rivets to separate the halves online.

I have some 6203RS bearings already. Looking at the N1 bearings I want to replace, they look like regular rubber seals. At least on the top side. I still can't find anything saying exactly what the N1 means, other than a type of seal. I just saw the 6203N1, and wanted to make sure that the 6203 2RS were maybe Ok to use.

I see some new idler pulleys on a site that claims they are OE for $20 each. I might pull the trigger on them. Then take mine apart at some point. Then I can compare the N1 seals to the 2RS seals. I still don't see who sells the N1 type. Not sure why they are even being used on the idler pulleys, as opposed to the 2RS.

I believe my spindles take 6204 2RS bearings. But I have not verified. But I will worry about that when they start making a racket.

 

[oilboy123]

I just ordered 2 new idler pulleys online that are supposed to be OE. I am going to see if those show the 6203N1 like the ones that came new on my mower. Then I will refurb my old pulleys with new 6203 2RS bearings.
As I said I have not found anybody selling 6203N1s?

This from McMaster Carr is good info on the RS ones:
https://www.mcmaster.com/products/bearings/bearing-trade-number~6203-2rs/

Found this on another site:
Types and Applications of 6203-N1 Ball Bearings
Type Description Common Applications
6203-N1 Single row, deep groove ball bearing, sealed Electric motors, automotive applications, industrial machinery
6203-NR Same as 6203-N1 but with a snap ring Applications requiring axial positioning
6203-2RS Double sealed for enhanced protection Environments with dust, moisture, or contaminants
6203-ZZ Shielded on both sides for protection High-speed applications, less contamination
6203-M Metal shields, suitable for moderate speeds General-purpose applications

 

[oil pan 4]

Sorry not for the spindles. They are for the idler bearings. I have just over 70 hours on the mower. The spindle bearings are still good.

But the 6203N1s are starting to get rough, and have a lot of play. The idler bearings themselves are technically not to be replaced. You are supposed to replace the pulley assy. The pulley is 2 piece with a top, and bottom piece that each cover half of the pulley. They are riveted together. I'm thinking I can just replace the bearings only with maybe better bearings than came from Husqvarna...... I see somebody that was drilling out the rivets to separate the halves online.

I have some 6203RS bearings already. Looking at the N1 bearings I want to replace, they look like regular rubber seals. At least on the top side. I still can't find anything saying exactly what the N1 means, other than a type of seal. I just saw the 6203N1, and wanted to make sure that the 6203 2RS were maybe Ok to use.

I see some new idler pulleys on a site that claims they are OE for $20 each. I might pull the trigger on them. Then take mine apart at some point. Then I can compare the N1 seals to the 2RS seals. I still don't see who sells the N1 type. Not sure why they are even being used on the idler pulleys, as opposed to the 2RS.

I believe my spindles take 6204 2RS bearings. But I have not verified. But I will worry about that when they start making a racket.

Comes down to can vs should.
Can you replace just the $7 bearing by drilling out all the rivits, yes.
Or should you just replace the whole thing for around $20, yeah that's usually the better option for most people.

 

[oilboy123]

The old idler pulleys look brand new, not sure why have so much play. The spindle bearings are all perfect. Yes I have 2 idler pulleys on order. Hopefully OE for $20 a piece. Parts Tree wanted about $43 each + I'm sure shipping.

I'll play with trying to replace the old pulleys with the 6203 2RS bearings I have. I'll keep them as spares. Still I have no idea what the N1 seals even are? I don't even care anymore........

 

[oilboy123]

Wow the idler pulleys came quick. I will be putting them on at some point. I will be trying to switch the old pulleys with new bearings as back up.

 

[oilboy123]

$43.03 for 2 OE idler pulleys from Wallmart. I put them on the deck. I can't believe Parts Tree wanted $43 each.......