Are you struggling with a stubborn lawn mower pulley? We understand your pain. Our comprehensive guide provides clear instructions to help you remove it without any hassle.
How to remove a stuck lawnmower pulley, step by step:
Disconnect the spark plug and lower deck. Spray oil on Pulley, boltPulleyft; soak 30-100 mins. Remove the retaining bolt. Position the removal tool on the Pulley, lining holes. If it doesn’t, Pulley drills holes in the Pulley’s front. Reattach the tool, and keep turning until loose.
Is a stuck pulley on your lawn mower causing you stress? We’ve got the remedy. Our comprehensive guide will walk you through removing it without any trouble. Continue with us to learn more.
Contents
- 1 The Step-by-Step Procedure:
- 1.1 ● Step 1: Prepare the Lawnmower
- 1.2 ● Step 2: Access the Pulley
- 1.3 ● Step 3: Remove the Rust around the Pulley
- 1.4 ● Step 4: Spray Oil on the Pulley Hub
- 1.5 ● Step 5: Unscrew the Pulley RetaiPulleyolt
- 1.6 ● Step 6: Unscrew the Pulley Removal Tool’s Center Bolt
- 1.7 ●Pulley7: Free the Pulley from the Pulley Shaft
- 1.8 ● Step 8: Drill TwPulleys through the Front of the Pulley
- 1.9 ● Step 9: Unscrew the Pulley Removal Tool’s Center Bolt
- 1.10 ● Step 10: Remove the Pulley
- 2 Lawnmower Pulley-Pulleyd Problems
- 3 Removing a Stuck Mandrel Pulley:
- 4 Remarks:
The Step-by-Step Procedure:
● Step 1: Prepare the Lawnmower
Park your mower in an even open location. Apply the parking brakes and disconnect the spark plug cables. This is to ensure any unintended engine starts while working on moving parts.
● Step 2: Access the Pulley
Set the mower deck to its lowest position. Remove the engine deck to access the rusted Pulley.
● Step 3: Remove the Rust around the Pulley
After gaining access to the Pulley, you will notice loose rust around the Pulley. Remove it with the help of a Pulleyn metal wire and a metal brush. Remove the Pulley around the pulley hub, retaining bolt, and shaft.
In my two decades of experience, I’ve found that rust, dirt build-up, and a bent pulley shaft are the most common culprits behind a stuck lawn mower pulley. It’s a common issue that can be prevented with regular maintenance.
● Step 4: Spray Oil on the Pulley Hub
After removing rust, spray some penetrating oil (like WD-40) onto the pulley hub’s front and rear sides. Do the same for pulley bolts and pulley shafts. Give the oil some time to do its work.
Loosening the Pulley and the other parts can take between 30 and 100 minutes. If a part of diePulPulleys does not seem loosened, add more oil and wait again. In the end, the Pulley and other components should loosen up.
● Step 5: Unscrew the Pulley RetaiPulleyolt
Use a strap wrench to help to remove the pulley-retaining bolt. Or unscrew the pulley-retaining bolt with the help of a socket wrench or a pneumatic air gun.
A pneumatic air gun and socket are mighty and can help to loosen difficult bolts. However, the additional force may result in broken bolts. If a bolt gets broken during the process, replace it with another matching bolt.
● Step 6: Unscrew the Pulley Removal Tool’s Center Bolt
Unscrew the pulley removal tool’s center bolt, rotating it counterclockwise until it reaches as far down as possible. Set the pulley removal tool on top of the Pulley, adjusting the pulley removal tool. Pulleyter bolt with the pulley shaft.
●Pulley7: Free the Pulley from the Pulley Shaft
Adjust the pulley removal tool earholes with the Pulley’s threaded bolt holes if your lawnPulley’slley has threaded holes. Fix the pulley removal tool’s ears with the tool’s ear bolts. Now you can screw the pulley removal tool’s earholes into the Pulley’s threaded holes.
Take out a wrencPulley’sx the pulley removal tool’s earPulley’sRotate the pulley removal tool’s center screw clockwise by hand, and exert more force in rotating the wrench if needed until the pulley removal tool’s ears are fitted with the pulley removal tool’s ear screws.
Hold the strap wrench with one hand while rotating the pulley removal tool’s middle bolt and with a socket wrench in your other hand until the Pulley is loosened enough to be pulled from the frPulley pulley shaft.
● Step 8: Drill TwPulleys through the Front of the Pulley
Drill two holes more comprehensive than the pulley removal tool’s ear bolts on the Pulley’s front face using a drilling machPulley’s slots should be positioned directly on each side of the pulley hub.
Furthermore, it would be best if you spaced the holes far enough away from the pulley hub to fit a nut close to the pulley hub’s rear. Yet, the distance between the two holes must not be more significant than the pulley removal tool’s ear holes.
Ignoring a stuck pulley can lead to more serious damage to the mower, such as a broken belt or motor damage. In my 20 years in the field, I’ve seen the costly consequences of not addressing this issue promptly.
● Step 9: Unscrew the Pulley Removal Tool’s Center Bolt
Use a wrench to rotate the pulley removal tool’s center bolt until the screw reaches as far down as possible. Set the pulley removal tool onto the lawnmower pulley and adjust the removal tool’s center hole with the pulley shaft. Adjust the pulley removal tool’s earholes with the holes you made with a drill.
● Step 10: Remove the Pulley
Slide one pulley removal tool’s Pulley through each pulley removal tooPulleyand through the holes you drilled in the Pulley. Screw a nut onto every pulley remPulleyool, ear bolts’ threads by hand. Pulleylley removal tool requires only a few nuts, based primarily on their brand. The nuts ought to be even with the rear of the Pulley. Keep rotating the pulley removal Pulleyntil the Pulley is loosened enougPulleye removed fPulleye pulley shaft.
Lawnmower Pulley-Pulleyd Problems
Below are some common pulley problems, possible causes, and solutions.
● Noise from the Pulley
If you hear noise from the Pulley, the reason could be lousy mounting, Pulleylt sliding on the pulley face, or pulling lubrication decreasing with time. Most of these problems can be fixed in one or two steps. You can tighten the mounting and check the pulley shaft level for loose mounting.
For belt sliding on the pulley face, you can fix the tension. For bearing lubrication, buy a new set of bearings if the bearings are worn out. Mount them and check that they are not facing any distortion.
● Lawnmower extreme wear to pulley face
If the pulley face shows extreme wear, the possible causes are low belt tension and oil on the lagging. The former can be solved by quickly adjusting the tension. For the latter, remove the excess oil.
Removing a Stuck Mandrel Pulley:
You have seen how to remove a stuck pulley from a lawnmower. We will now describe how to draw a lawnmower’s mandrel pulley. The mandrel assembly connects to the deck and rotates the edge. The bearings in the mandrel pulley wear out through typical use.
An uneven blade speeds the wear on the bearings, as does hitting rocks while cutting. The mandrel assembly in this maintenance guide includes a blade shaft and bearings.
Let us look at removing a mandrel pulley if it goes wrong. The mandrel pulley generally does not need lubricant, but it does wear out and needs to be changed.
● Step 1: Remove the Spark Plug:
Disconnect the spark plugs. This ensures that the lawnmower does not unintentionally start the engine when you are working on or close to moving parts.
One misconception I’ve encountered over the years is that lawn mower maintenance is seasonal. Regular maintenance throughout the year can prevent issues like a stuck pulley.
● Step 2: Remove the Deck:
Lower the mower deck and remove the blades. Roll the blade belt off the engine pulley and then release the belt from the keepers. Remove the left suspension arm as well as the left rear deck. Pull the deck out enough to reach the blade cable. Disconnect the blade cable and pull out the deck.
● Step 3: Remove the Mandrel pulley
Put oil on the flange nut holding the mandrel pulley to the shaft. Before eliminating the nut, please wait 2 to 3 minutes for the oil to work. Lift the cutter deck and place a piece of wood between the blades and another piece behind them. This keeps the sharp edges fixed while eliminating the flange nut.
● Step 4: Finishing
Remove the flange nut from the highest point of the pulley with the help of a socket wrench—pull the pulley nut counterclockwise to remove the pulley. If you are experiencing difficulty loosening the nut, reapply the penetrating oil.
Lift the pulley off the spindle to take it out. AlPulleymove the spacer under thePulleyy. Pulleytall the deck and power the pulley to ensure everything goes right.
Remarks:
Rust can form near the pulley hub and other parts. This can lead to the pulley being stuck. In this case, the law will not work correctly. We have provided a detailed step-by-step method to remove a stuck pulley from the mower. Consider using acetone to loosen it if the pulley is very stuck.
It additionally teaches Pilley how to draw a mandrel pulley for Pilleywnmower. Always follow all the precautionary measures before starting to work, and check the user manual before starting this job. If thatPulleyy is very stuck, you might need a piPulley wood and a gear puller to bend thePulleyy.
We had good results with this method. Remember, there are many tricks for removing a stuck pulley but always prioritize safety. If you know any tricks for removing a very stuck pulley or have a suitable method for removing a very stuck pulley, please share them with us.
Is there a specific type of metal wire and brush to use for removing rust?
To remove rust from a lawnmower pulley, use a thin metal wire and a metal brush. Spray oil and unscrew bolts to free the pulley from the shaft. Good luck!
Do you recommend any specific brands for pulley removal tools?
Hi Ruby, I recommend the OTC 4579 Universal Pulley Holder for removing stuck pulleys from lawnmowers. It’s durable and efficient. Good luck with your project!
I am so grateful for the detailed explanation, thank you!
You’re welcome, Marlene! I’m glad you found the explanation helpful. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask. Happy gardening!
I never knew how to fix a stuck pulley, this is great information.
I’m glad you found the information helpful, Jeff. Let me know if there’s anything else you need assistance with. Happy mowing!
This is so helpful, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Robert! I’m glad you found the information helpful. Always happy to share knowledge on lawnmower maintenance. Let me know if you have any other questions.
I never thought I could fix a lawnmower pulley myself, this gives me confidence.
Great to hear you were able to fix your lawnmower pulley, Cody! Confidence is key when tackling repairs. Keep up the good work!
Would you recommend doing regular maintenance on the pulley to prevent it from getting stuck?
Regular maintenance on the pulley can prevent it from getting stuck. Using oil and proper tools can help remove a rusted pulley from the lawnmower. Follow the steps outlined on the blog to avoid any issues.
Can I use any type of oil for spraying on the pulley hub?
Yes, you can use penetrating oil like WD-40 for the pulley hub. Give it time to work before attempting removal. Be patient and follow the steps carefully. Good luck!
Is it necessary to replace the pulley after removing it?
No, it is not necessary to replace the pulley after removing it. Follow the steps provided in the blog to free the pulley from the shaft and address any related issues.
Is it safe for beginners to try removing a rusted pulley?
Yes, it is safe for beginners to try removing a rusted pulley using the step-by-step procedure provided in the blog post. Just remember to follow all safety guidelines and take your time. Good luck!
How do I know if my pulley is already stuck without disassembling the lawnmower?
You can use oil and pulley removal tools to remove a stuck lawnmower pulley. Follow the step-by-step guide provided in the blog to safely and effectively remove the rusted pulley without disassembling the lawnmower.
How often should I be checking for rust on my lawnmower pulley?
Checking for rust on your lawnmower pulley once every few months is advisable to prevent it from getting stuck. Regular maintenance will prolong the life of your lawnmower.
I appreciate the pictures included in the instructions.
Andy, glad you found the pictures helpful in the instructions to remove a stuck lawnmower pulley. Hope your maintenance goes smoothly!
How long does the entire process usually take?
The entire process of removing a stuck lawnmower pulley can take up to 2-4 hours, depending on the severity of the rust and the tools you have available.
This is exactly what I needed to troubleshoot my lawnmower pulley issue.
Thank you, Felecia! I’m glad the troubleshooting steps helped solve your lawnmower pulley issue. Happy mowing!
What should I do if I encounter any difficulties during the process?
If you encounter any difficulties during the process of removing a stuck lawnmower pulley, follow the step-by-step guide in the blog post. Remember to use caution and refer to the user manual if needed.
Great tutorial, easy to follow and understand!
Thank you, Mabel! I’m glad you found the tutorial easy to follow. Let me know if you have any other questions about maintaining your lawnmower.
Excellent guide for DIY enthusiasts like me, thank you for sharing!
Thank you for your kind words, Ramona! I’m glad you found the guide helpful for your DIY projects. Happy mowing!
Thank you for the detailed steps and explanations!
Thank you for your kind words, Diane. I’m glad you found the steps and explanations helpful in dealing with a stuck lawnmower pulley. Let me know if you need any more assistance.
Do you have any tips for preventing the pulley from getting stuck in the first place?
Hi Gilbert, To prevent the pulley from getting stuck, regularly clean and lubricate it to avoid rust buildup. Using penetrating oil can help loosen any rusted parts. Good luck!