Bearing Assembly, Lead Free (Series 60)

Bell & Gossett 185332LF Lead-Free Bearing Assembly for Series 60 Circulator Pumps

The Bell & Gossett 185332LF is a lead-free bearing assembly engineered to service and restore Series 60 circulator pumps in hydronic heating applications. This OEM replacement component features a copper shaft sleeve and Buna-N seal, delivering reliable operation for MF 60 pumps equipped with 5-1/4" and 6-1/4" impellers. Replacing the bearing assembly is the fastest repair path for Series 60 pumps experiencing bearing wear, shaft seal failure, or noise issues. This part supersedes the previous model 185332, providing the same fit and function while meeting current lead-free standards for potable water contact.

Key Features & Benefits

• Lead-Free Construction: Fully compliant bearing assembly eliminates lead exposure risks, meeting federal and state regulations for hydronic systems that may contact potable water.
• Copper Shaft Sleeve: The copper shaft sleeve provides corrosion resistance and smooth bearing surface contact, extending service life in continuous-duty heating applications.
• Buna-N Seal Material: Buna-N rubber seal delivers reliable leak prevention across typical heating system operating temperatures while resisting degradation from glycol-based antifreeze solutions.
• MF 60 Pump Compatibility: Engineered specifically for MF 60 maintenance-free pumps with 5-1/4" and 6-1/4" impellers, ensuring exact dimensional fit and proper shaft alignment.
• OEM Direct Replacement: Factory-engineered component matches original equipment specifications for bearing clearances, seal dimensions, and material composition, eliminating guesswork during repair.
• Complete Assembly Design: Arrives as a ready-to-install unit with integrated seal and bearing components, reducing repair time compared to replacing individual seal and bearing parts separately.

Compatibility & Requirements

This bearing assembly is specified for use with Bell & Gossett Series 60 MF (maintenance-free) circulator pumps equipped with either 5-1/4 inch or 6-1/4 inch impellers. The manufacturer's replacement parts documentation confirms this part number (185332LF) as the correct bearing assembly for those pump configurations. Installation requires the pump to be drained, disconnected from power, and disassembled according to the Series 60 service procedure. This component replaces the entire bearing housing assembly, including the integrated shaft seal.

Installation & Care

Installation requires draining the system and pump, disconnecting electrical power, and following the manufacturer's pump disassembly sequence to access the bearing assembly mounting location. Proper installation includes aligning the bearing assembly with the pump shaft, securing mounting fasteners to specification, and verifying free shaft rotation before reassembly. After installation, the system should be refilled, vented of air, and the pump tested for proper operation and absence of leaks at the seal interface. No periodic lubrication is required due to the maintenance-free bearing design.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Bell & Gossett 185332LF bearing assembly used for?
A: The 185332LF is a lead-free bearing assembly designed to service Bell & Gossett Series 60 MF circulator pumps in hydronic heating systems. It is the correct replacement part for MF 60 pumps with 5-1/4 inch and 6-1/4 inch impellers. This assembly includes the copper shaft sleeve and Buna-N seal required to restore pump operation when bearing wear or seal failure occurs.

Q: Which Bell & Gossett pump models use this bearing assembly?
A: This bearing assembly is specified for Bell & Gossett Series 60 MF (maintenance-free) pumps equipped with 5-1/4 inch or 6-1/4 inch impellers. The manufacturer's parts documentation confirms compatibility with those specific MF 60 pump configurations. It is not interchangeable with other Series 60 variants or other Bell & Gossett pump series.

Q: What materials are included in this bearing assembly?
A: The 185332LF bearing assembly features a copper shaft sleeve and a Buna-N seal. The copper sleeve provides the bearing surface against the pump shaft, while the Buna-N rubber seal prevents water leakage at the shaft penetration point. All wetted materials meet lead-free compliance standards for heating applications.

Q: Does this part replace the older 185332 bearing assembly?
A: Yes, the 185332LF supersedes and replaces the previous part number 185332. The current page notes "This item replaces: 185332," confirming that the LF (lead-free) version is the updated replacement with identical fit and function. Installers servicing older Series 60 pumps originally equipped with part 185332 should now use 185332LF.

Q: Is the bearing assembly ready to install or does it require additional parts?
A: The 185332LF arrives as a complete, ready-to-install assembly with the bearing housing, copper shaft sleeve, and Buna-N seal integrated together. No separate seal kit or bearing components need to be purchased. Installation does require following the manufacturer's pump disassembly procedure and may require new gaskets or O-rings for other pump joints, which are sold separately.

Q: What are common reasons to replace the bearing assembly on a Series 60 pump?
A: Bearing assemblies are typically replaced when the pump exhibits excessive noise, vibration, shaft play, or water leakage at the seal. Bearing wear over time can cause the shaft to run rough or seize, while seal deterioration leads to visible water drips or system pressure loss. Replacing the complete bearing assembly addresses both bearing wear and seal failure in a single repair.

Q: Can this bearing assembly be used in potable water systems?
A: The 185332LF is manufactured with lead-free materials, meeting federal and state regulations for components that may contact potable water. However, Bell & Gossett Series 60 pumps are primarily designed and marketed for closed-loop hydronic heating applications, not for direct potable water circulation. Consult local codes and the pump's original application specifications before use in any potable water contact scenario.

Q: How do I know if my Series 60 pump needs this specific bearing assembly?
A: Verify that your pump is a Series 60 MF model and confirm the impeller diameter is either 5-1/4 inches or 6-1/4 inches by checking the pump nameplate or consulting the original installation documentation. If your pump matches those specifications and the existing bearing assembly is worn or leaking, part number 185332LF is the correct replacement. The manufacturer's replacement parts list included with this product provides additional cross-reference confirmation.