How can I replace a gear and set the timing on my Model 457 Singer sewing machine? The new gear came attached to a metal piece, and the old metal piece (which the old gear had broken off from) is still intact inside the machine.

Trilde Moore, February 2007

If you need absolute detail of fitting gears and retime, e-mail me on drivewithken@blueyonder.co.uk, I had 20 years in the trade and I know just about every sewing machine fron the 30's to the 80's.
Ken

Ken Dourof, March 2007

You will need to take the front plastic panel off and through the slot you will be able to get to the screws on the nylon gear, undo the screws and the gear will pop straight off the to of the spindle.
If you can get the gear slide it back on and tighten.
Put the front panel back on.
To retime the machine take off the bottom plastic cover and the faceplate, an allen key is needed, take out the bobbin and the bobbin case, look at the needle bar and you will see two score marks all the way round it, make sure you have a new needle in, line the bottom mark up with the body of the machine, loosen the gear on the raceway and move the hook round so it is lined up with the eye of the needle and tighten all screws, test, if you have not had experience of 457 437 or any Clydebank machine it may take you a few goes but be patient.

Ken Dourof, March 2007

Hi,
For what it is worth, have a look at my site:
www.tandtrepair.com
has the parts and guide necessary to help replace the gear, plus retime the machine
Terry

Terry, February 2007