Hi Steve and grumpy, the alloy roller end caps were standard on the SB Model 33, 40 and early 45's... the company then changed to plastic, which are on my 45. It is a very domestic set-up for such an expensive machine (when new)...(ie.)a mild steel shaft with a plastic end caps connected by a hollow round tube, with no lubrication in a hostile environment...dirt, dust moisture...it is no wonder that the shaft wears so quickly...at least Steve's model alloy end caps have a small hole (you can see it in his pic)that was for the oil-can to lube the area....but the industrial mowers such as the Model 17, have a solid steel roller with greaseable roller bearings, I think you will agree a much better set-up.
Steve, IMO, it would be very difficult for you with the shim and bush inserted to line up the oil hole for shaft lubrication.
