FAIRFIELD PARTS
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Gauge Wheel — wear checks

Holds your sowing depth and keeps the disc face clean in the wet. Here's how to tell when it's done.

John Deere Gauge Wheel Backing Plate

Check the rubber lip on the disc side first. New rubber sits square against the disc; as it wears the gap opens and lets mud and residue in, which only speeds up the wear. Close that gap with shims as the lip goes down, but always run at least one shim — with none the bearing housing contacts the axle arm directly and damages both. Down to one shim and still gapping means the lip has gone and it's time for new rubber. Feel the compound for brittle patches or soft, squishy spots, look for splits letting water in, then spin the wheel and check for side-to-side wobble or a dry rumble that points to a worn bearing.

Applies to: John Deere Gauge Wheel Backing Plate AA449  ·  3" Mudsmith w/ Back Plate MS3GW-HD  ·  3" Gauge Wheel Tyre MS3HDR  ·  Mudsmith 4.5" w/ Backing Plate MS4.5GW-HD  ·  4.5" Gauge Wheel Tyre MS4.5HDR  ·  6 Bolt Inner Rim MS6INNER

Bearing 5203 G & Closing Wheel

Spin the bearing and listen for a dry rumble that tells you the internals are worn or dry. Check for side-to-side play by holding the assembly and trying to rock it — there should be none. A bearing that spins too freely with no resistance is dry and on the way out. Replace promptly, because a collapsed bearing takes surrounding parts with it.

Applies to: Bearing 5203 G & Closing Wheel AA5203  ·  6 Bolt Hub and Bearing MSHUB6

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