The drive belt in a lawn mower is one of the most essential parts of your mower. It works on transferring energy from the engine to the wheels for moving. It does a lot for your mower. Without a drive belt, your mower will not be able to make any move.
However, your mowers drive belt may get damaged or tear off. Don’t worry. There is an option for replacement and you can replace your mowers drive belt. Now thinking about how you can change the drive belt? Come on. It’s not a big deal. I will help you out.
In this article, I am going to provide you the detailed steps following which you can replace the drive belt on your Craftsman lawn mower. Enjoy my article and get your work done.
Tools you will require:
- Drive belt
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench
- Cleaning brush
- Wooden block
- Googles
- Hand gloves
Contents
Steps To Replace Drive Belt On Craftsman Lawn Mower
Preparing Your Mower
Well, for replacing your drive belt, you should start with wearing safety hand gloves and goggles. Then set the parking brake, turn off the ignition key and disconnect the spark plug. You should disconnect the power cable too that comes from the battery for safety purposes. It will protect you from electric shock.
After that, place the mower on a level surface so that you can work comfortably. You can use your garage in this case.
Taking Off the Blades and Deck
After placing the mower on a level surface, your next task is removing the blades and deck so that you can work without any interruption. For removing the blades and deck, you have to seal your mowers fuel tank first and then lift the front wheels.
Now, for sealing the fuel tank, at first, you have to remove the tank cover. After removing the cover, use a plastic sheet for covering the face of your mowers fuel tank and reattach the cover. This is done so that no fuel gets emitted.
Then, after sealing the tank, you have to press the backside handle below for lifting the wheels high. At this moment, you need to keep the wooden block in front of the deck and between the blade.
Now you can take off your blade and deck. So simply take off your blade with the help of a socket wrench by turning its screw anticlockwise. While loosening the screw, be careful that the blade should not fall down.
Cleaning the Shaft and Deck
In this step, you need to use a brush for cleaning the shaft and deck properly. You should clean it properly so that there remains no debris. It will make your task easy and also the most important thing is that it will enhance the lifespan of your machine.
Taking off the Old Drive Belt
Before going to install the new drive belt, you have to take off the old one. For this, take off the crankshaft pulley at first. For removing the crankshaft pulley, you have to use the socket wrench on the flywheel bolt for getting access.
Then, simply loosen the bolt and washer of the pully turning it in a clockwise direction. Once the bolt is loosened, you can take off the crankshaft pulley. Now, you will get access to your old belt. Simply remove your mowers drive belt.
Installing the New Drive Belt
It’s time to install the new drive belt. You have to place the new belt around the trans-axle pulley. Make sure that the belt fits on it. Then, use your socket wrench for tightening the bolts. You should tighten the bolts in an anticlockwise direction. After tightening, you have to return the crankshaft pulley too and tighten it.
Reinstalling the Blades and Deck
You are done with installing the new drive belt. Now you have to reinstall everything that you have uninstalled earlier. Start with blades. Place the blade into its position where it was. Keep your eyes on the blade and check whether the engine pulley perfectly matches it or not. Then, place the deck and tighten all its nuts and bolts.
Reconnecting Everything and Having a Test Ride
Now, in the last step, you have to take aside the wooden block first and then make the mower lower. Then, disconnect the parking brake, turn on the ignition key, connect the spark plug and power cable. You will find that your mower will start. Now, take a test ride. Drive your mower and try to mow a small portion. Check everything like the movement and cutting speed. If you find everything is fine, then you are set to go with your mower.
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