I have a HR-01 serial #1432. I believe that I bought new in 2002-3?

My shaft has seized in the past also. What I had done is clean both the shaft and bushing, then on the shaft I placed washers coated in graphite neverseize, and snugged them up to act as thrust bearings.

This worked at keeping my shaft fairly straight for a few years. Right now my "bushing" is so wore that the drive is running crooked no matter what I do. I need to replace the chain, sprokets, and drive because of the wear from running this way, and when I do I would like to fix this problem. I can not access the "bushing" with a drill from outside the stove, unless I bore a hole in the side panel. My hope is to be able to drill/ream out the factory "steel bushing" and replace with some kind of replaceable bronze bushing. What do you think? Anyone had any like ideas?
Thanks.

I have an older Harvester with no bronze bushing. After many winters of use, both my shaft and factory steel bushing are shot. Has any body had to re-bush their stove before? I believe I will have to cut a hole through the side to be able to get at it. Any info would be great. Thanks,

I am new here also.