Video summary

Disassembling The Final Drive - Tilmor 520 Tractor Service

Main summary

Key takeaways

Product Review

Product Reviewed

A Tilmore 520 tractor dropbox / final-drive style gearbox. The video focuses on disassembling the dropbox, inspecting components, and preparing it for reassembly.

Key Features / What the Video Covers

Disassembly steps for a 520 dropbox

  • Drain oil first to avoid spills and mess.
  • Remove side covers (requires a ½-inch socket).
  • Remove the cotter pin on the spindle nut (reuse only if it’s not compromised).
  • Remove the large spindle nut (specified 1-13/16 inch).
  • Use a puller to press the spindle out.

Tools and parts mentioned

  • A Tilmore-made puller is available to buy, but isn’t required—any suitable puller can work.
  • The puller fits because the spindle has a tapered center hole.
  • Bolts are sent with the puller:
    • If things are very stuck, the video recommends using harder/shorter bolts.

Case separation

  • Remove multiple case bolts:
    • 5/8-inch bolt head
    • 11/16-inch nut
  • Knock out centering pins (wear eye protection; set aside for reassembly).

Bearing and gear inspection focus

  • Push-test bearings by spinning/smoothing feel:
    • Replace bearings if they feel rough.
  • Inspect gear teeth for chunks or damage:
    • Replace damaged gears.
  • Clean the magnet thoroughly.
  • Remove and inspect multiple bearing/race locations, including spindle bearings and races.

Race/snap ring removal technique

  • Mentions a double stack of snap rings.
  • Uses a square punch and alternates tapping around to avoid binding.
  • Cautions that snap rings can fly off:
    • Use pliers carefully.

Reassembly guidance (high-level)

  • Scrape silicone off.
  • Replace seals/O-rings (fresh seals are recommended).
  • Clean with a pressure washer if available.
  • Refer to their “put it back together” video.

Pros (Implied by the Instruction/Experience)

  • Clear, step-by-step method that makes teardown manageable.
  • Practical puller approach:
    • The spindle’s tapered hole works with many pullers.
    • Tilmore’s puller is supported, but alternatives are acceptable.
  • Specific inspection criteria:
    • Bearings should spin smoothly.
    • Gear teeth must be free of broken/damaged material.
  • Emphasis on avoiding rework:
    • If metal is found, replace bearings rather than reusing questionable parts.

Cons / Risks Mentioned

  • Mess risk if oil isn’t drained first.
  • Covers may be stuck due to silicone sealant:
    • May require chiseling/screwdriver work to break the silicone seal.
  • Safety hazards:
    • Eye protection recommended for centering pins and snap ring removal.
    • Snap rings can fly; gloves are recommended due to sharp edges.
  • Seized parts may make disassembly harder:
    • Requires proper bolts and careful puller use.
  • Technical difficulty in race removal:
    • The double snap-ring stack means you can’t simply pound one direction.

Comparisons

  • No direct product-vs-product comparison to other brands is made.
  • Implied comparisons include:
    • Tilmore puller vs a suitable local hardware store puller that matches the spindle’s tapered hole.
    • Using harder bolts if parts are stuck (instead of relying on generic bolts).

Unique Points Mentioned (All)

  1. Drain oil before starting to avoid a mess.
  2. Remove cover bolts with a ½-inch socket.
  3. Silicone-sealed covers may be stuck; break silicone seal with chisel/screwdriver.
  4. Remove cotter pin on spindle nut; may need pliers; plan on replacing cotter pin (or reuse if not compromised).
  5. Remove large spindle nut with 1-13/16 inch.
  6. Lay gearbox on its side and press spindle out using a puller.
  7. Tilmore puller is available to buy, but other pullers can work.
  8. Spindle has a tapered center hole suited to most pullers.
  9. Use bolts supplied with puller; prefer shorter/harder bolts if very stuck.
  10. Block/support the unit with wood to prevent binding.
  11. Remove case bolts: - bolt head 5/8 - bottom nut 11/16
  12. Use centering pins during disassembly; remove them and wear eye protection.
  13. When separating cases, avoid parts flying by removing the puller/using tension appropriately.
  14. Inspect spindle bearings by smooth spinning; replace bearings if rough.
  15. Inspect gear teeth on both sides; replace gear if damaged.
  16. Spacer should be reusable if not broken.
  17. Clean magnet thoroughly and ensure it returns to the case.
  18. Remove spindle bearings that support the spindle; inspect races by removing them and checking smoothness.
  19. Clean/wipe parts and prevent metal/debris issues.
  20. Replace seals/O-rings during reassembly; recommend new rubber O-ring.
  21. Race removal requires correct method because of double stack snap rings.
  22. Use a properly squared punch to drive races out correctly.
  23. Drive races out by alternating sides to avoid binding.
  24. Snap rings can fly—use caution with pliers.
  25. Alternate pounding to walk the race out evenly.
  26. After teardown: scrape silicone off, clean thoroughly (pressure washer suggested), inspect gears/teeth, and decide what needs replacement.
  27. Their “put it back together” video is referenced as the follow-up step.

Speakers / Different Views

  • Ben (Tilmore) is the main speaker and source of all product-specific guidance and recommendations.
  • No other speakers are separately identified.

Overall Verdict / Recommendation

This video isn’t a “review” with ratings, but it functions as a practical repair guide for a Tilmore 520 dropbox. The main takeaway is that the teardown is doable with the right tools (notably a suitable puller, ideally Tilmore’s or an equivalent) and that bearing/gear inspection plus replacing seals/O-rings is key to preventing early failures.

Recommendation: Use this process if you’re disassembling a 520 dropbox for inspection/repair—especially if you also follow their reassembly video.

Original video