How to Replace the Friction Wheel on a Snapper Riding Lawnmower

[@waynestefinashen239]

A deal of a repair your customer must be extremely happy to only be charged 1//2 hour labour. Nice to finally find an honest repair guy, keep up to great videos.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@beegekhaos3171]

3 year old video, and it's still helping folks like me. Thank you!

[@jimpickren9549]

Thanks for the ultra-clear video. I also like that you don't waste my time talking about stuff that has nothing to do with the repair at hand,

[@KNR6292]

Frikkin awesome video

[@TheRadiogeek]

I know your video has been out for a bit, but I must thank you. My mower was only working in 5th gear and reverse. I watched your very detailed instructions and tips on how to replace the drive wheel. I really like that you included the part number in the video as well. I was able to order the part from Amazon and install it in about 20 minutes. My mower is back up and running! Thank you so much for making this video!! Very Helpful! 👍👍

[@tank2402]

I have this same mower that was bought in 2013, and I need to replace the drive wheel for the first time in 2024. Thanks for the video. Well explained and good video shots.

[@anthonymoore5191]

I couldn't find a new friction wheel locally but Amazon had them $16.00 plus $5.99 shipping. Working fine now and your video explains the the replacement in easy terms anyone could understand. Thank you for a great video.

[@edvaioli7340]

Thanks for the excellent video. The kits are still available OEM, and I picked one up today at the local Snapper repair shop for $27.00. They are now branded Briggs & Stratton, Snapper's parent company.

[@jasonmartin489]

Do you happen to know the part number?

[@russb3816]

I wish you were my neighbor. I would hire you in a second to repair my equipment. Im in a wheelchair and have trouble working on things. I think you are honest, knowledgeable and care about your customers. You always do a great job and i really enjoy your videos.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

@@EliminatorPerformance Not bad, I worked 40+ years at the original Mfg plant in McDonough Ga. USA

[@kathidiy3556]

I was thinking of replacing my wheels for additional traction. Would you supply the part number please

[@JamesS-dr3wt]

The engine and drive assembly are made by Briggs and Stratton. The OEM part is still available with the inner liner installed. Great video! Thanks for the assist!

[@scottdonaghy2308]

Just did this, thanks for the video. I always take the gas tank and battery out in case my beautiful bride needs me in the middle of a job to add a wing to the house. I have added a shut off to the fuel hose. The original wheel lasted 22 years. I was down to 4th and fifth gear. My replacement friction wheel was made by Briggs and Stratton. The liner was already installed. Bought it online a year ago; can't remember the $. Very informative video. Thanks!!!

[@JD-bd5rd]

one of the best tutorial videos I've ever seen on KZbin. thank you again!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@JD-bd5rd]

And I must say, this repair took all of 5 minutes and my mower does wheelies when I let off the break now! I can now mow in 4th and 5th gear again instead of just 2nd gear. It’s like a new mower and I look fwd to mowing now like I used to!

[@stevenscheller8641]

Thank you for the excellent video. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to perform this repair myself, but this video has gave me the confidence to take this project on!

[@michaelsmartin5388]

this was a big help! I have procrastinated on doing this repair but the video has made my life much calmer.

[@z-magnificent]

5-3103 drive disc replacement with brake liner installed, $19.87 on Amazon. Thanks for the video!

[@JD-bd5rd]

Thanks!

[@bgt1666]

Just bought a snappy RER PN-2691526 yesterday for my wife, she hates it, sold it 8 hrs later to my son who's had one before. After watching your video I am going to go ahead and replace his, great instructions and thank you sir for sharing!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

In the video I mentioned there was no way to adjust the friction wheel, but on this model you can actually adjust the tension a couple ways. You could adjust the spring tension that holds the friction wheel against the friction plate. This is actually the clutch return spring, and you'll feel it pull back faster when releasing the brake. Or you could adjust the position of the friction plate itself, by lowering it on the crankshaft. So while it is possible to temporarily increase contact of the friction wheel, I don't necessarily recommend it when you have a friction wheel in the condition that my customers was. My logic behind this goes back to the weight of these machines, and with the operator on top, it puts more stress on the already worn/cracked friction wheel. For a $32 drive kit, I believe it's better to just replace them. Also, from a business aspect, if I had simply adjusted it, and my customer came back a couple weeks later complaining that the worn/cracked friction wheel is slipping once again, I would've kicked myself for not just replacing it in the 1st place! Not to mention, my minimum labour rate is a half hour labour, which means my customer would've paid the same labour rate for an adjustment, as he did for this replacement. And with the new friction wheel installed, he'll now get years of use out of it, instead of having to constantly adjust an already worn/cracked friction wheel! Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving (here in Canada) and stay safe!

[@lazarogarcia8287]

Do you have a video on how to change the belt on this specific lawnmower?

[@mikedavidbeats2560]

I have a customer who gave me an older snapper rider, and he said he adjusted the friction wheel so that it would go faster. The problem I have is now that he did that, it won't go into reverse now. How do I adjust it back to stock so it will go into reverse?

[@steveski4663]

great video!!, unlike 90 percent of other u tube videos you get right to the point in a clear fashion.

[@sendittozach]

Thanks!

[@sendittozach]

Just before you posted this video I was looking for a little knowledge on what ide be getting into. This was straight forward and to the point, concise, perfect my duder! No more $120/mo to have someone do what takes me 30min to do on this trooper of a mower

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Hey thanks Z later, glad this video helped out. Consider subscribing for more weekly repair vids!

[@fillslawncare]

Great repair EP. See you in the next one!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@BearJarEnr]

Hi. I’m trying to replace the front wheel . And it just won’t come off

[@williaml2822]

Great video! I'm changing out my drive disk today and needed to watch your video to refresh how to do it. I'm using the Stens kit you used since it ships with the blue brake liner. In the video, I noticed all of the wear on the shift lever and on the plate designating each gear. There's a grease fitting on the underside of the shift lever/spring assembly, and I bet that the wear on the lever and plate designating each gear may be due to no grease. Both front wheels have a grease fitting, the left rear wheel has a fitting and opening in the fender to access, and the shift lever. It's not advisable to put grease into the fitting on the blade spindle as that will actually accelerate wear since it uses sealed bearings. Next time, the customer brings it in, the oil levels in the differential and transmission should be checked. I use 80/90 lube and periodically replace the plastic oil caps on the differential and transmission. The differential and tranny only fill to the level of the lowest plastic cap.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the info! I'll definitely have a look next time.

[@bentackett6299]

I’m glad you went ahead and gone ahead and made this video! Seriously though, helpful video 👍

[@rca19]

Excellent video - super clear instructions that’ll save me the cost of a service call. Thanks a lot for doing this.

[@JD-bd5rd]

Wow, and I’ve been thinking it was my belt. Thanks!!!

[@johnmotley9686]

Thank you my mower in having this problem thank you you now what you doing this just save me lot of money thanks

[@philliphall5198]

Great day because I found a video I haven’t seen from Youll Thanks 🙏

[@paulcaouette]

Best video out there on this also check you belts and yoke and greasel hell out the wheels.

[@thepatriot4355]

Cool little Snapper mower

[@fixit4182]

Thank you so much for this video. Now I understand how this thing works.

[@wlouisharris]

Great video. It explains how the friction wheel works. It is very easy to replace. I replaced mine trying to fix a problem with my transmission. Mine only works in 1st gear and 5th gear. 5th gear is really sporadic and I have to keep mashing the clutch to get it to engage. Great mowers but do have some issues with the transmission.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Any chance your friction plate could be worn, or the bracket the friction wheel slides on is out of alignment?

[@wlouisharris]

@@EliminatorPerformance I replaced the rubber friction wheel so it is possible the bracket is out of alignment. Will make a visual inspection.

[@ericwalker3354]

Worked for me. Thanks for posting this!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Glad it helped!

[@TheNovaJohn]

Nize,,, I've got one that needs boots and I've been putting it off. I may want to do this repair while I'm there! As always, informative!

[@MikePhoTravelVlogs]

How do these mowers do on Hills ? Are they reliable or safe on hills at all? Thanks in advance 🙏

[@mattsandoe]

2 questions. 1 statement. 1st. This video was a huge help bc I hav the same issue. So thank you for saving me a bug service cost. I can do this at home. 2nd. When do you reccomend replacing the main belt on this same type of mower. 3rd. Do you know or reccomend any kind of exhaust muffler setup bc these bad boys are loud.

[@pughconsulting]

Thanks. This really helped me out. Planning on changing mine soon.

[@rhodysweet]

Thanks! Very helpful!

[@bigplayray777jackpot4]

Good demonstration

[@forresthoffman489]

Very helpful! I have a similar Snapper mower with the same problem.

[@richardmueller9565]

talking about adjusting the disc on crank !!!! any secrets on moving a rusted/frozen on one!?? hate to heat--- gotta replace engine seal.....bent a couple trying to pull .. need to make a puller that goes behind the collar....

[@EliminatorPerformance]

This one wouldn't move either they seem to all seize because the manufacturer didn't use anti seize on the bolts!

[@4s1228]

Thanks for this video, solved the problem for my mower.

[@longerino]

I learned a lot from your video, thanks.

[@chrislnflorida5192]

Great video! Now for me to find how-to adjust the Reverse

[@Bittyman007]

Great!! Been looking for this for this particular model as well. Very informative

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@patricktaylor1398]

Awesome Instructions on the Friction disc wheel Thanks, Now I have a question can you make a video on how to adjust the clutch and cable on the same snapper mine is the exact same model. Thank you sir Patrick Taylor

[@timothyherweynen6210]

Excellent video, thank you! 👍🏻

[@BrucesShop]

This is the year of the repair. It looks like a snowblower as you said. I bet the friction wheel is the same one and a snowblower.. I am checking over you shoulder and your shop has a lot of similarities as mine Of course.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

If it's "stuff all over the place" then you're absolutely correct haha the shop is a mess right now as we recently finished taking an inventory. The big cleanup may come tomorrow!

[@luigicampanathenestbocasst1311]

Nailed it! Thank you for the video

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Boy that really makes cheap simple like transmission. Thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi - it's Big Rodders in Ireland. At the risk of being accused of trying to teach Granma to suck eggs I would like to point out that there are two ways to adjust the pressure that the friction wheel applies to the drive disk. You can move the crankshaft drive disk up or down to achieve the manufacturer's specified gap and you can also alter the tension of the spring depending on your personal preference and the terrain on which the machine is used.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for the information! In my own experience, when the friction wheels get worn down on these, I'd rather just replace them instead of adjusting tension (similar to what we would do on a snowblower). My logic behind this goes back to the weight of these machines, and with the operator it puts more stress on the friction wheel. You are correct though, it is technically possible to adjust them. But for a $32 drive kit, I think it's better to just replace it. And from a business point of view, if I had simply adjusted it, and my customer had to come back a couple weeks later because the worn friction wheel is slipping again, then I would've kicked myself for not just replacing it.

[@rodneysweetnam8653]

Hi - it's Big Rodders in Ireland again. I understand and agree with your logic. My comment is therefore more applicable to those DIYers that enjoy working on their own machines. I thoroughly enjoy your channel and learn much from your tips and experiences.

[@RychardsView]

I learn a lot from you

[@jeaubeau]

Wow 14 million views on all your videos great channel. Considering all your great experience can you answer me a question is it reasonable to put a hydrostatic Drive on this platform as I would like to use it to pull-push mulch. Two small trailers pushing one and pulling the other.. as I don't think this pressure plate pulley system would be strong enough.. thanks

[@danonoveh8114]

Thanks for this great video sir

[@davidcrutchfield138]

Really helpful thank you

[@themowerman]

Good one mate.. nice and simple

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@robertnovak3827]

Excellent Many Thanks!!

[@redbed1604]

I just replaced the whole friction clutch, and now, even in nuetral, the rear tires won't turn in tandem. I'm out of ideas. Do you have any ideas? By the way, the mower was running just fine before, just slipping on some inclines.

[@mauropluto4557]

I have a problem with my rider snapper mod E331518KVE The disc in gear is blocked while in neutral it turns. The gears are engaged, but the wheels do not move, only by pushing the vehicle by hand thanks to the help

[@thomassutherland5188]

excellent commentary. you could be a newscaster person. lol

[@ald5016]

You are THE MAN!!!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@cranstjs]

Hi. I read your post about other things you can do to adjust, such as spring, and crankshaft plate. I have a much older Snapper than the one you are working on. The rear area doesn't come off to work on it. Instead you have to lift it onto it's butt and get at the drive area. I replaced the rubber wheel again. The one that was on it honestly didn't look that bad. Forward "gears" work fine with plenty of grip and movement. But reverse is still poor. I can push back with my left leg a little and get it to move slightly backwards. But that's not a real reverse. You would think if forward works, reverse would work as well. Any ideas would be helpful.

[@adamopel5702]

Great video as usual👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@phill6159]

I have a 1981 Ariens riding mower, much like this, in fact I got a 11.5hp motor off a Snapper and adapted it to fit my unit. I personally like the concept of the friction plate and disk, very simple method of propelling the machine around, easy to replace, and now I know they can be flipped up for easy access, so much the better, thanks!

[@jayarnold8883]

Remember to remove the battery from the machine before you tip it up. Some batteries might leak

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Only if you have it flipped up for more than 2hrs! Thanks for watching!

[@darrelljernigan3241]

Eliminator, great video. I have a similar unit as this one. The friction plate looks new. The machine rear tires does not rotate. Trying to move the lever to neutral or any other gear is not working. Please advise on this issue and a fix.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Try adjusting tension on spring that holds the friction wheel to the plate

[@darrelljernigan3241]

@@EliminatorPerformance Thank you for your advice. I plan on doing a complete restoration on this unit. Thank you for responding with your busy schedule.

[@victoryfirst2878]

Need to know a few things from you Eliminator. The inter band spacer you trimmed to fit tightly on the Stens kit. What would happen if the drive wheel inter band was purchased already cut to length and slightly bulged toward the inside. Does one need to trim for a tight fit without using any adhesive ?? Since the drive wheel has a larger diameter does that change any setting of the cable adjustment ??? Nice video fella.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

I don't think it matters as it would eventually wear down, but I cut the little bulge out by trimming with the knife just to make it smooth

[@victoryfirst2878]

@@EliminatorPerformance How long does the drive wheel last on average ???

[@brucel.6078]

Good video!!! That indeed seems like a cheesy design! Good fix!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

LOL, basicially the same design since early 1960's, I prefer the design before this one that didn't have the liner & thrust washer, it was solid and didn't allow slipping like this design

[@russelloneal7569]

I have the exact same snapper luckily, but mine will not stop. Do you have to have that lining in the drive wheel in order to stop? Thanks

[@ChrisSmith-nm1hn]

how would you change this from being a side shoot to being a mulching mower? Ihave this mower myself and am about to do this repair myself!

[@edwardmcgee5465]

Good info, thanks a lot

[@yewtoobules]

I replaced the friction wheel without a problem, but after a short drive, when I looked back at the friction wheel, the rubber was all scuffed and chopped already within just a few minutes. What might be causingthat wear? The aluminum wheel it presses again seems smooth.

[@s.meredithclark1164]

What is your opinion on injecting the gas line leading to the carb with ATF to store your small engine so it starts when you need it?

[@sj122s]

Great video!

[@anthonyesposito2745]

Thank you and God Bless you

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Same, thanks!

[@tylerlobe8092]

Very helpful. Two questions: 1. What is the model number of the mower? Identifying info is absent on mine; but it looks identical to the one in the video. 2. Best online site for this part?

[@hughhoneycutt4547]

I just bought a used snapper, model 3013523BVE 13.5 HP; great condition...but is the blade supposed to turn with out the drive pully turning? I'm am putting a new belt on it that's when I discovered this issue. I had a snapper years ago and never ever had to work on it, I'm thinking of just putting the new belt on and see what happens ... I'm hoping the spindle isn't broken...

[@monicacarmona1535]

Do you have a video of how to change the spindle Belt for rear engine rider in a Snapper 28”. ?

[@amandaledoux7917]

Yes, my reverse works, but when i put it in gear, i sometimes i have to rock it for it to move and sometimes it doesnt work

[@shaffersmallengineshop5957]

nice video, very helpful.

[@kathidiy3556]

I was going to replace my wheels as well for additional help they look a little worn. Would you have a part number for the wheels as well?

[@blindbob2539]

great video!

[@siknessgaming7305]

What would be the issue if I have trouble getting it out of gear in neutral and reverse? The shifter is very difficult to use

[@mack9107]

Is it common for Reverse to still work fine even if 1-3 is slipping/not working?

[@godm8167]

How would you do a pulley swap, I got one I am turning into a mud mower and already removed the deck

[@robertyearian227]

Great video man thanks

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@999benhonda]

sigh, I just bought a snapper for $50, and after getting the mower going I find it has no drive. The friction wheel looks new, but it can spin freely. So I take it off, there is no liner in place! So, someone before me attempted to replace the wheel, but decided that they didn't need to watch any youtube videos. Now I have to wait for a new liner I ordered before I can have it driving.

[@tkskagen]

Great Video!🤘

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@RandyWBrown]

Great video thanks so much!

[@nevenapudja]

Great job!

[@jamesfann3034]

Hello all. I have a SR120 snapper. Am considering pulling a spike aerator behind it or adding spiked wheels once maybe twice per year. Do you think that will cause damage to the friction wheel or transmission?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

The issue with rubber friction disc drive is that it's not like a belt and transmission. Any extra weight will cause more stress on the rubber disc, and will thus wear, and potentially fail sooner.

[@jamesfann3034]

@@EliminatorPerformanceIndeed, that's what I thought. Bummer, what about those spiked wheel attachments. I don't see them advertised as often but think I could find a pair. Would they put a strain on the system as well?

[@minouchat]

Like always, good infos ! 👍

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@donmorgan1751]

How do you adjust the brake on the unit?

[@mikesanchez5214]

My mower only moves in 3-5 gear but not 1-2 will this be the friction wheel?

[@19fierogt86]

After replacing mine, it still slips in forward gears, but not reverse. My model does not have the allen keys in which I can lower the metal disc off the crank, any suggestions?

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Find the tension spring and tighten the spring to hold the rubber friction wheel against the plate tighter

[@Jake-jw3sk]

I love how short and informative your videos are! I like to watch your channel and Donyboy73. Do you watch his channel sometimes? Great videos!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Yes I watch pretty much all the small engine channels!

[@Jake-jw3sk]

@@EliminatorPerformance Cool! I'm so interested in small engines, I'm starting to repair my neighbour's equipment. By the way, I'm still young, so I still have a lot to learn.

[@EliminatorPerformance]

@@Jake-jw3sk I've been doing this for 8yra and I learn stuff all the time, most of this equipment you'll see is built similar, but there's so many brands that I could work on a different piece of equipment every day for months! Keep at it, good luck!

[@malachibenisrael4370]

Quick&Easy Fix!

[@EliminatorPerformance]

Thanks for watching!

[@slhines7]

Excellent. I've been seeing some OEM friction wheels but maybe they are just knock offs or something. EIther way, I've read some reviews on some of these not lasting very long at all.

[@stevetorres76]

Nice vid… I have a couple of those type of snappers. Great machines… built like a tank. The gas cap on them has a little screw on the top of it the closes the air hole in the gas cap so it can be tilted up without spilling gas. There is a cool channel on KZbin by an old timer. Jim Jackson… it’s called Jim’s fix it shop. He fully rebuilds these snappers. Tears them down and resembles them bolt by bolt and posts the vids of it if anyone wants to rebuild one or refurbish it.

[@theclarkhurley]

I bought a new clutch kit assembly but can’t figure out what else it needs to keep it on. I threaded in a nut there and it didn’t work

[@michaelsmartin5388]

could not get up on rear stands Any tips? two person job?

[@glenncothron8226]

How can I pull the drive train on my rear snapper, riding, lawnmower, chassis to pull it all apart

[@bigken5032]

Looking for a anti-scalp wheel kit for my 2012 28 inch snapper rer cant find one anywhere.

[@theclarkhurley]

What holds the entire thing on there?