How do you check transmission bearings?

Now that I'm in one of these, it's not hard at all to work on. I'm thinking about pulling things apart and completely going through it. I've already got new axle, brake and PTO seals.

When I had the bull pinions in hand I noticed that the bearings had some play in them. Is there a way to check and quantify play in ball bearings? Obviously there has to be some play or they won't roll. But other than obvious mechanical damage what is the best way to check for wear?

Also is there a tolerance or spec for play in the input shaft pilot bearing? I couldn't find anything in the I&T manual. I haven't put a dial indicator on it, but my built in hand indicator feels like it's at about 5 thou.

It's my understanding, too, that the bull gears are symmetrical and can be swapped from side to side so as to run on the less worn side. Is that true? Can the bull pinions similarly be swapped side to side. That should put the teeth face that were reverse to run forward and reduce play, right?

I am a little concerned about the pilot bearing and that was part of the original motivation for pulling the cover off, just to have a close look.

This one is going to take the place of my '50 M as main machine. The old '50 model is getting worn and is ready to be gone through stem to stern.

I've gotten past the hard part on the Super M, that is getting the wheel hubs loose! I swear there's at least two undisturbed coats of paint in that area. Those wheels haven't moved in decades. Time, heat, PB blaster and a five foot cheater have finally gotten them loose!

If the bearings are not rough, they will probably be okay. New heavy duty bearings will cost you $50-$100 depending on the size and number of balls. If the cost does not put you off, it will not hurt anything to change out the 60 year old ball bearings. Replacing them later is twice as much work as replacing them now.

The one bearing that I would replace is the input shaft pilot bearing. It seems the most likely to fail.

I have never heard of swapping sides with the bull gears. It sounds like it might just work. You could always try it and let us know what happens. Myself, I like to keep everything in its original place.

I hate it when things go wrong with my H, but it is surely a pleaure to work on.

Greg