Honda Mower Rear Wheels Will Not Roll Backwards THE REAL FIX

My Honda Mower HHR2169VLA rear wheels lock up when pulled backwards.
This video shows THE REAL FIX for this issue. Previous to THE REAL FIX I cleaned, oiled/lubricated the pinion gears, the shaft around the bushings and gearbox but this did not resolve the issue. My mower is still under warranty but last year I could not leave it at the repair center for 2 weeks just to have them look at it. This year I finally disassembled the parts until I found the issue. The shaft may get contaminated again due to the design of the bushings.
Disclaimer: Honda knows there is an issue and the repair in this video is not recommended by Honda. Honda say to take your mower to a service center where they have the proper tools to lubricate and resolve this issue.
If you have 2 to 4 weeks to leave your mower at an authorized service center then do so otherwise watch this video and do it yourself.
If you Dislike this video (Thumbs Down) Please leave a comment why you are displeased.
Video Edited with Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Sorry for the annoying Soundtrack “High In The Sky” Created and Licensed by Sonicfire Pro

[@lenmiles5150]

I have bought many lawn mowers in my life. Most were in the $300 to $400 range and usually ran for 8 years plus. Paying $700 for Honda and now having the drive wheels fighting back when pulling backwards only after 3 years has an engineering design flaw and quality in question.

[@jonathanritter7364]

You paid 700 for your honda? I paid 499 for mine. Probably 10 years ago tho

[@moboutmen]

Great job. I got lucky. I turned off the fuel supply, lifted the rear wheels off the ground by hooking the top bar to a support with a bungee, leaving the mower on its front wheels. Using good old WD40 Penetrant, I heavily sprayed into the axle area, after thoroughly cleaning the hell out of it. Turned the wheels by hand in both directions - difficult at first - and let it sit overnite. Did the same thing the next day, and haven't had a problem since. Crazy. Hope someone gets lucky with this method also.

[@jeffroberts4328]

I didn't see your post until after I did the same exact thing you did and it also worked for me. Hope people see your comment before the start ripping the axle out

[@jeffmiller9208]

Same thing for me. I had hosed off the whole mower - from the top and bottom - and left it outside to dry for an afternoon. I suspect water ended up in the axle and left dried crud in there. Maybe it made some existing rust worse. A bunch of WD40 loosened it up and I could pull it backward in a minute. I'm ready to take things apart and clean them if I have to, but it seemed like a good idea to try WD40 as a first approach.

[@omapuz8486]

Lol

[@rob12468]

How did you thoroughly clean the axle area before spraying the WD40.

[@moboutmen]

@@rob12468 I dry cleaned it using an assortment of scrapers, red Scotch pads, and wire brushes, followed by compressed air.. This mower was here when I bought the house. I think the owners just gave up on it. Best of luck.

[@buildmotion1426]

This video is what KZbin is all about. Having a neighbor that has been down this road before and simply saves me the time of figuring out what went wrong. I’ll give this a shot! Thanks for taking the time to record this fix!

[@CarveTools]

Thank you for understanding my intentions trying to help people. Not everyone appreciates that. I really do not like having to pay for someone to repair my stuff. There is so much information on the internet you can DIY almost anything. Thanks for the comments!

[@ngocdao1]

Thanks for great video and so easy to understand!

[@fatdaddysfrenchies5213]

This happened to my mower within 8 months of purchase. I know several others who have had the same problem. Bad on Honda for not making this a recall.

[@CarveTools]

I agree. Honda should have sent a postcard to registered owners for the recall. Thanks for the comments!

[@VaporheadATC]

All four of my Honda mowers over the years suffer the same problem. They are just too lazy to redesign.

[@agaan1897]

maintenance!

[@Rave-agent]

This was a recall in the USA. Can't find any reference to the recall for my French purchased version though.

[@charliepearson1678]

Should of been a sealed roller bearing in there NOT a bushing on mild steel

[@viczielinski2358]

I watched this and it accurately described the problem. But rather than tear the whole unit apart, I decided to do a test. In my garage, pulling the mower backwards, the wheels would not rotate. I lifted the mower on some blocks and sprayed PB Blaster as best I could on the axles and the bushings. I was able to rotate the wheels manually. A few more sprays and manual movement, I put the mower back down and the wheels moved much better. This proved to me, the axles and bushings are the issue. Since it is December and my garage is unheated, this tear down and process will be the first thing I do in the spring. Thanks

[@CarveTools]

Hi Vic, It is my understanding that Honda has finally issued a recall. Service Bulletin #107. The bushings are undersized for the axle and that's why the wheels lock up. So reducing the axle shaft size with sandpaper fixes the problem also. Thanks for the comments!

[@josephsapienza6044]

i did the same and got it working again

[@jeffsfleet]

This issue will definitely return. I had the dealer repair mine twice. First time it cost me $100. The second time, it was free. Both time "redesigned" bushings were used. Both times it worked fine for a few months. Now it's frozen up again. Clearly a design problem that Honda has had and known about for years. Other than the great engine, these mowers are total garbage.

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the heads up on this. So far my Honda has not locked up since this video. Hope it stays that way. Thanks for the comments!

[@tc96z1]

I’ve had the same issue in the past. I use ‘Super Slick Stuff’ dry lube at Lowe’s as regular maintenance at least twice every mower season. Just lift the rear wheels and spray behind the wheels around the axle. Keeps corrosion from moisture under control. Cleaning the under side of the deck with a garden hose impacts adversely on this issue. Prevention maintenance is so easy and quick.

[@arturos.l.2248]

I'm going to have to disagree with the mowers being "total garbage" because the mowers are not that bad. However I think Troy bilt mowers in a similar price range, with the good honda Motor, are much better

[@nickpeluso5206]

Sorry to say I have been looking at this for 2+years and didn't think grease in the bushings would cure the issue. THRILLED to say I finally did it, AND IT WORKS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

[@CarveTools]

So glad this helped. Thanks for the comments.

[@ronwhited1224]

I had my HRX mower back at the dealer to fix this problem a little over a year ago. Well, the same problem is back already! Ridiculous on a nearly $800.00 mower! I’ve had mine back to the dealer four times for various issues. I will never ever buy another Honda built mower. My next mower(hard to believe I’m saying that) will be a Toro with a Honda engine. Thanks for posting this fix. I still have a year left on the warranty so it’s back to the dealer AGAIN!!

[@CarveTools]

Sorry to hear that. Too bad Honda will not make this defect good.

[@johnhouli3450]

Thanks Dave, I just received a free 160 GVC lawnmower real wheel self propelled and it wouldn’t start. Finally got it going by cleaning out Emulsion tube while it was in carburetor with a bent plastic tube spraying Carburetor cleaning Spray I will try your fix in a few. Houli.

[@catarinogutierrez3843]

thank you for the video. my lawnmower was doing this, and I worked on it as you said, and now it's going backward like normal again.

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped and thanks for the comments.

[@rman8853]

Thanks, Great video and good info for all. Just wanted to add this also. First of all, remove the drive belt from both pulleys, turn the wheels backwards and see if they turn freely. Make sure when you have the mower tipped to its side, that the bottom wheel is not touching the ground when you try to spin it. If it spins backwards freely without the belt, then your transmission and bushings are fine. if the wheels are hard to spin backwards when the belt is back on, then the belt is getting caught and binding against the pulley and the bracket that keeps it on. This happens if you try to use a non-honda regular black rubber belt. The rubber just causes more friction on the pulleys and creates the resistance. The oem honda belt is brown and seems to have some kind of fabric looking material covering it that causes less friction on the pulleys. I tested this just today 7/12/22 with a non-honda belt and with a brown 38" belt for cub cadet and troy, part no. 954-0257. The belt was actually for a snowblower, my hardware store did not have the honda belt. To my surprised, it worked just fine, it rolls backwards freely. I did spray the axles and bushing area with pb-blaster also. Hope this helps others Thank All for your inputs

[@Ezq95]

I have the same model and my lawn mower is only 2 years and 7 months new. Honda mower comes with a 3 years warranty so i hope the Honda authorize dealer can fix it at no cost. I will have them do an oil change and sharpen the blades. If Honda don't cover it than will bring it home and fix it my self. Thank you for the Video.

[@pramodkotwal7861]

Pramod Kotwal I benefited from the video and managed to clean the rust from both ends of the shaft without actually removing the transmission from the lawn mower. Once you remove the gears and the clips from both ends, the transmission slides through the bushings enough to expose the area that is normally in the bushing. I had to use a wooden block and some tapping with a hammer to free up the shaft. Once it is clean and lubricated, it is amazing how freely it moves. Now assemble everything and the problem is solved. Thanks for the video and all the comments.

[@CarveTools]

Wonderful! Glad this helped. What you did was much easier than the disassembly I did in this video to find the problem. Happy mowing and thanks for the comments!

[@weberaudio]

One helpful hint that I would like to lend out before everyone gets nuts about pulling the axle out of your Honda push mower; you may want to invest in a can of Hondalube and simply spray it in where the axle passes thru the bushing. My wheels unlocked quickly after applying it, and I now make it a habit of re-applying it periodically as preventive maintenance. The problem has never returned. The first time my wheels locked up was right after I washed the mower prior to winter storage. I just bought it that season and I guessed that water got in there and started some rust. The second year it happened again after mowing while my grass was still kinda wet after a surprise shower. Keeping it lubed seems to imperative. I’m not saying that a complete disassembly, cleaning and greasing isn’t the best way to fix it (and probably well worth doing every year or two). But if you are in a bind, and want to prevent it altogether... Hondalube works for me plus it’s great to have around the house! Works great on door locks, hinges, just about everything. It comes in a spray can and can best be described as Liquid Wrench and WD-40 combined. Search Hondalube as one word. 👍

[@theduckfactory2884]

Was always a Craftsman man and had this problem. Decided to "step up to the Honda" and the first season I was in heaven. First time out this year I had this very issue. Went thru the manual fix by adjusting the cable from one extreme to the other with no help. Called Honda and a very friendly attentive operator was absolutely no help. I refuse to believe I have to disassemble a 1 year old Honda mower so I don't have to literally drag it out of any corner I mow into. BTW: DO NOT open the gearbox unless the mower is upside down or you can get under it. Has gear oil in there. Fortunately I had some to refill it.

[@martinradtke5181]

Great video for HRR216 mowers. I'm going to replace the bushings and seals and put a light coat of plastic friendly grease on bushings. Since you have to remove the transmission may as well replace the hydrostatic transmission fluid if you have a lot of years / hours on it. Finished the repair yesterday. FWIW the job took longer than I thought since I went ahead and replaced the belt. This is a rental house mower - some idiot overfilled the oil and it leaked into the belt greasing it. What a mess under the mower! That oil mixed and caked grass under the deck. I decided to use my bench wire wheel (fine wires) to remove the axle rust & roughness. Sanding may allow grit into springs slot. Worked great. Then I used automotive grade silicone grease to lube the new bushings and dust seals. There is about 1/8" gap between wheel dust seals and bushing. Add grease to this space. Decided to leave hydrostatic oil alone (10w30) since mower only has estimated 150 hrs on it. On my HRX217 it has over 600 hrs - I'm replacing the hydrostatic transmission oil in it. Using plastic bushings is a stupid cost savings. Use brass and include spiral for grease.

[@jeffbrubaker5228]

Thanks for the video! I bought a brand new HRR mower in the fall of 2018. I used it a few times until the end of the season and it worked great. The next spring the rear wheels started locking up. I thought, "No problem, it's under warranty." WRONG! Honda would not fix it under warranty. Took it in for service, a few weeks after it was fixed it started doing it again. The dealer picked it up and a couple weeks later dropped it off. Worked great for two mows and then started locking up again. I feel like I wasted $400.

[@Edward135i]

Thanks for the fix, I just thought this was the way this was supposed to be from the factory, it's been driving me nuts.

[@garymorgenroth7468]

Although the engine performance & quick start of this Honda model is outstanding, my rear wheels also lock up when attempting to back up the mower in just 1 1/2 seasons since purchase. I'm planning on using this excellent video you've posted as the probable resolve but given my many years with Honda products... wouldn't you think the Honda engineers would have gone back to the drawing boards & corrected this obvious fault in product material design... like a stainless steel wheel shaft ? This is a real safety issue as one has to actually lift the rear wheels to back up the mower when the mower blades are rotating when a forward directional change is limited or not feasible.

[@CarveTools]

Hi Gary,I can only assume that Honda knows about this issue of the wheel lock up but no recall has been issued. My experience was Honda wants you to take the mower to an authorized service center and leave it there for 2 or more weeks until they can look at it. The service guy saw the wheels locked up but found nothing in their factory documents as to the problem or solution. I finally tore the mower down and found the issue in this video and have had no problem since other than all 4 wheels are completely slick and I had to replace them. A design with a SS shaft and a real bearing would fix this issue but would decrease profits on this product. It’s amazing how saving just 99 cents per product has caused such a headache (and backache) for the consumer. Other than that, it’s not a bad mower, just aggravating. Thanks for the comments!

[@tobinhutto7973]

@@CarveTools yes, the wait time for Honda service are insane... All year. It's almost better to resign to the fact that it's not going to be self propelled after a couple months.

[@alans.4658]

I found out recently that in other markets outside the US Honda coats the shaft with a heavy zinc plating. They don't have this issue.

[@lewisclark8792]

a stainless steel bushing would be much cheaper

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Thanks! I can see that the problem could come back over time as grit and dirt get between the bushing and axle and start to scar the axle again. I'm going to try the repair as you show, but also apply grease on the axle where the bushing goes to hopefully keep grit out.

[@alans.4658]

Dave, first off, fantastic video! I removed the wheels and the pinion gears then sprayed Motorkote spray lube into the bushing. I also removed the circlip and washer on the inside of the deck and did the same. Wow what a difference! My mower is fun to use again. I intend on doing a complete removal of the gearbox off season, but for now this is working great. Thanks again!

[@CarveTools]

Hi Alan, So glad this worked for you! I took the gearbox completely out in this video to see what was causing the problem but I think it is possible to polish the shaft that goes into the bushing without complete removal. Thanks for the comments!

[@apersonontheinternet8006]

If this sounds like too much work you can do what I did. I removed the wheel assemblies, left the bushings and pinion rod in place, and used my mixture of ABS and differential fluid I keep for my rusty Jeep projects to soak into bushing. If you adjust the deck height lever you'll notice the rod spins with it; grab the rod with channel locks and articulate the height lever back and forth for a while to work your lubricant into the bushing. You will feel the resistance wane as the lubricant works itself into the bushing. I did clean all of my parts and gave them a nice coating of my ABS & gear oil mix. I didnt use grease because I feel it will trap more debris and figured its easy enough to oil a few times a year to prevent this going forward. Great video!

[@CarveTools]

Brake fluid is good stuff, just have to be careful what you mix with it. Glad that worked out and yes that would be much easier. Thanks for the comments!

[@SuperPussyFinger]

I like this guy and his wooden voiceover delivery.

[@TheStephenspann27]

the fix worked for me. My mower is only on it's second season. It's the HR21 model. My shaft wasn't that rusted or scarred up, but it wasn't lubricated and I think the tolerances between the bushing and the shaft are just too tight. I used emory cloth on the shaft, and added grease and it seems to have fixed it. I did my repair with the gearbox and shaft still installed in the deck.

[@roymg]

There is a fix offered by Honda to replace the bushing assembly. You have to take it back to an authorized Honda repair dealer to get the fix.www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/42592-Honda-HRR-Models-Rear-Wheels-Locking-Up-When-Pulling-Backwards?s=1c7a18ffb5dfc1e04c7665e0e0d4145d

[@RM-zy2pp]

Roy G awesome thank u

[@scottconatser3836]

Thank you!

[@rotfan77]

Roy G good info, thanks. I wonder if there somewhere we can buy this upgraded part online for a reasonable price?

[@roymg]

These parts are not that expensive but I've read that if you ordered the part you might not get the new and improved version but a part that had the original design flaw.

[@adamredding1263]

Thanks for the video. This did not fix my issue completely, but certainly helped. I suggest also changing the drive belt at the same time. My belt would hang up because it had been formed into an oval shape over many years. Because of this it would hang up on the transmission pulley when it reached the narrow portion of the oval.

[@ATX45]

Same problem. I mow an elderly neighbor’s yard using her 3-4 year old Honda and have the exact same issue. I’ll definitely give this a try. The transmission also loses drive power as it warms up. I’ll chase that down after this fix. Many thanks!

[@CarveTools]

How kind to help a neighbor! This is a link to my newer detailed video kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKSrgoyAerCMa68 Thanks for the comments!

[@lisamcnish3287]

Mine has been doing this for quite a while, just had a tune up and new rear wheels. It seems to be worse than ever, thanks for your explanation, think I will have to take it back in.

[@phillipmitchell1233]

Great video thanks for sharing I almost bought another mower thinking the transmission was about to go out. After seeing your video I went online and ordered the bushings and did as you did in the video saved me some cash great video 👍

[@steveleek4675]

Many thanks for doing this, it was exactly my problem, and your explanation for the fix was perfect, thanks again.

[@CarveTools]

Hope this has helped. Thanks for the comments.

[@rteufeljr]

thank you so much for this video, after spending close to 4 bills for a honda, I didn't think I would run into trouble on the 2nd year. I will be following the instructions on this video so I can free up my rear axle. Thanks again!

[@garysisk3431]

they are junk, I would never buy another one,

[@jimboyle6432]

Had a few minutes, did exactly what he suggests, it absolutely fixes the problem! I didn’t make the adjustment to the cable, but cleaning the axle, fixed it perfectly.

[@john72ss]

why not put some kind of lube on the bushing so this wont just keep happening? I have the same problem?

[@CarveTools]

Glad it worked for you. Thanks for the comments!

[@jodypost]

Thank you! I have watched countless videos trying to find out how to get my mower to roll backwards again. This video was very clear, concise and focused on the problem. I do recommend some of the other videos for how to remove the transmission and axle.

[@CarveTools]

I would have thought that the answer to this question would be on Honda Power Equipment website but then they would have to admit there is an issue. I had nothing to lose by breaking it down to see what is wrong. I did not add the part on removing the transmission on this video, I just wanted to show the problem. Thanks for the comments! .

[@sidneywhite749]

Do you remove the wheel adjusters? Is there another video? Where did you remove the bushing from?

[@frandanco6289]

@@sidneywhite749 - Yes, the wheel adjusters have to come out to even see the end of the axle.. There are a series of C clips flat washers, the pinion gear, another washer, to get the adjuster off.. Just mind where all these parts go back on, and especially, the pinion gear.. It has to go back on exactly as it came off or it will not rotate forward and click.. Watch out for that.. I ended up having to purchase 1 large C clip remover and 1 small C clip remover.. They were made by Channel Lock and work great.. The large C clip remover is needed for the large C clip on the inside of the axle underneath. This big C clip has to be released and moved off the axle with 1 large washer, if you are going to remove the entire assembly.. Perhaps, it might be easier if you can, get some emery cloth in the right grits, tear it into thin strips and sand down the ends of the axle with it still in the lawnmower and not have to remove the entire transmission assembly out of there.. Good luck !

[@PBhawaiiTLR200]

Great vid. Went to the dealer and they were clueless. Said "wear & tear". I say design flaw. Otherwise XLNT mower. Trouble getting snap rings off, had to use grinder & cut them off. Another design flaw. Will share how it came out later.

[@johnsoto4763]

I had this exact problem. It rears its ugly head after I rinse off the mower. The first time this happened I sprayed lubricant on the axle and it did the trick. This last time it did not help and I used your instructions to fix the issue. I purchase a new belt, bushings and rubber caps. The right side came off easy, but the left side would not budge. I had to use a propane torch to remove the left adjuster. (those snap rings are a bear to get off!)

[@jimroberts3607]

Excellent video, I just disassembled mine the other day and polished the shafts, I wish I'd have had new bushings, then I used synthetic grease on the old bushings and put everything back together and adjusted the cable as you recommend, wow, it worked. Go forward a few days and I took the mower out because my new belt came in and I tackled that job, what a nightmare. I got it all back together and adjusted the cable again and tested out the mower. It was back to doing wheelies like when it was new and it mowed great, but within ten minutes the back wheels returned to not backing up. I'm going to order new bushings (wish they were bronze) and try it one more time. Anymore trouble and this piece of Honda crap is going in the Mississippi River!

[@CarveTools]

I feel your frustration Jim. Mine has not been an issue since this repair. Thanks for the comments!

[@martinradtke5181]

I'm going to fix my son's HRR216 mower (6 yrs old - one wheel hard to turn backwards) with new bushings. They are cheap. I'll also lube with marine grease. That should last another 5 yrs. FWIW my HRX217 mower is heavier duty and 12 yes old. No problems. Why? Design of HRX217 doesn't use plastic bushings...

[@davidmcneice1257]

Mine wouldn't pull back right from the day I bought it. My dealer said he couldn't fix it. It's now 1 year old and I'm still putting up with it. Sometimes the wheels lock; sometimes they turn but are very stiff and require a lot of energy to pull the mower back. On dry grass, the wheels have less grip than on, say concrete, and lock up more easily. I'll give this real fix a go. Thanks

[@CarveTools]

The reply I got back from Honda was if a customer is encountering this issue is to bring the mower to a dealer and let them address it correctly. They have the proper tools and procedure to properly lubricate and resolve this issue. Unfortunately Honda must not be sharing this information with their dealers. Since the repair I did in the video I have had no more issues locking up. Unfortunately the wheels are now worn out and slick and will do a video soon on how to fix that. Thanks for the comments!

[@RM-zy2pp]

CarveTools youre right these are the worst poly wheels ever I heard today Honda is coming out with new wheels next yr lets pray

[@EcoGeekTN]

I just wanted to say thank you for posting this video. It was exactly the fix for my mower, and quite literally saved me hundreds of dollars.

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped and I know this is a pain to repair. Thanks for the comments.

[@matthewsmith9410]

Thanks CarveTools. I'm glad I watched your video---it works. Really! The snap rings are a true pain in the ass. On my mower the snap ring holes don't go all the way through the clip itself--they are just tiny indents. way stupid and unnecessarily difficult.

[@raylatham7224]

Had a Husqvarna 4wd mower with same issue. Removed rear wheel & found out the rubber should that keeps dirt & grass & rocks out of gear drive at the wheel had gotten chewed up thru the years. Part of it had gotten caught in the gears & locked up the wheel. Thank God was easy fix. Just FYI if your mower has wheel shrouds check these out first.

[@lisamcnish3287]

Thanks Scottie, I haven't tried that but really think that is what needs to be done. It has been a good mower engine wise but that definitely is a problem, glad I'm not alone. I did buy a RYOBI battery mower last year and it is a breeze to mow with. Still like my Honda as a backup, need to get it fixed.

[@CarveTools]

I had a similar experience last year like the comment below where the authorized Honda repair shop had no clue to a fix. That’s why I tore it down myself and this year the wheels still turn freely when pulled backwards. Got this comment; noname Google commented: “Thank you. The local repair shop would not give me any information about the problem. They suggested that it might be the transmission, and would cost around $300! They probably sell a lot of new…”

[@davidlagle6840]

Finally someone has got down to the brass tacks on this issue!! I had the same issue. And as described the transmission was free spinning as were the wheels. But the main axle bushings were all but seized. Thank you Sir.

[@CarveTools]

So glad it helped! My old Honda mower had ball bearings on the axle. Honda has saved millions of dollars by using plastic bushings on the newer models even though it has caused thousands of users pain and frustration of dragging the mowers backwards. You would think that registered owners would have received a recall notice.

[@MECHET12]

thank you for showing me this video, I have returned 2 mowers because of this problem! I will follow your instructions to fix my mower!

[@CarveTools]

One comment from a viewer indicated to mention to your Honda repair shop, "Honda Power Equipment Lawn Mower Service Bulletin #107." I purchased mine from Home Depot so they may not have access to these secret bulletins. Thanks for the comments!

[@DATDesign]

Thanks for this video. I'll have to try this. I've found that a shot of WD40 on the axles works for a little bit, but quickly wears off. For as much as these mowers cost, you'd think Honda could have used proper "bushings", not plastic garbage. I've only had my mower two years. I'm also disappointed that my plastic "tires" are worn down too. I only mow about 1/3rd of an acre once a week.

[@KSMike1]

DATDesign WD40 is a fair cleaner but a horrible lubricant. Honestly almost any other product is better for almost any application. I grease the axle where it rides in the bushings and have no issues, other than the fact that you have to take it apart to do that, and re-do it every year or two.

[@jrpepediaz]

Thank you very much for the video. My Honda HRR lawn mower is only 2 years old but started locking up shortly after 1 year old. I believe the root cause of the problem is due to cheap soft steel used in the wheel shaft. I will keep record to determine how long it lasts. Maybe the bushing ( too hard) may have some contributing factor. Again thanks for your help and I will keep you posted about my findings and attach some pictures. Jose from Miami Beach

[@CarveTools]

Glad I could help

[@HemiRod23]

I work at a Honda Power Equipment dealership, and we see this issue regularly. It is HRR216 specific. You are correct, the bushings and transmission shaft are dry and worn so that they bind up. You can buy genuine Honda OEM bushings already installed in the wheel adjuster bracket for less than $10 per side. It is quicker and easier to replace these with the transmission in place rather than removing the transmission. Clean off the axle with emery tape just like you did, and put some fresh grease on before installing the new wheel adjuster brackets. I've done quite a few, and it usually takes around 45 minutes to do the pair.

[@CarveTools]

Thank you so much for the information. My local Honda Dealer had no clue.

[@allegory7638]

Excellent video because you get straight to the point and get on with it!

[@CarveTools]

GREAT NEWS! Just mention to your Honda repair shop "Honda Power Equipment Lawn Mower Service Bulletin #107." If they have no idea what this is, find another repair shop. Unfortunately in my case Honda did not feel compelled to inform registered owners about the rear wheel lock-up issue. It is my understanding Honda will repair this for free if your mower is still in warranty otherwise you pay for the repair. So I buy a new product and if it has a known factory defective and it is out of warrant, I pay to have it repaired. Seriously!

[@andybub45]

I just replaced the height adjusters for a customer according to #107. It said the bushings are larger, hopefully this fixes my customers issue. I may be doing the same to my mower this winter and hopefully the problem will be fixed for good.

[@MrFishbone1980]

yes same my Honda dealer said its a recall but honda wont actively notify customers or it unless they bring it in complaining.

[@patsponkmeyer4407]

Great video! Although you didn't show the details on how to remove the transmission, there are other videos on youtube that do show the procedure. In my situation, simply lubricating the bushing resolved my issue. Thanks for sharing your abbreviated video on how to get your mower to roll backwards again!

[@rotfan77]

Thanks for making this video, been putting up with this for the last two years. I saw in one of the other videos on this topic , that you can get the (supposedly) upgraded part to fix it once and for all, it cost me about $13 per side, seems to work well, some resistance pulling back but at least they turn now and don't lock up anymore. My axle didn't seem to be rusted or pitted at all so I just put the new part on. Like one of your other subscribers below, I wish there was a little less resistance when pulling back, but didn't want to put grease in there as I'm sure that would attract dirt and eventually gum up. Thanks again Honda Part number is 42930 -VG3 - B01 (For the right side) and part number 42940 - VG3 - BO1 (For the left side). (you need a set of retaining ring pliers).c

[@captainfallsalotatppic2508]

Why didn't you submit a claim into Honda Power Equement for warranty services to have it repaired at no cost? I owned Honda mowers for years! Hands down, Honda mowers are the best, at least as far as I'm concerned.

[@jamesholloway2954]

@@captainfallsalotatppic2508 Meh, Honda mower engines are good, but their self propelled drive is a weak compromise. Snapper is much better in that respect.

[@HsingSun]

Thank you for your video. Luckily, I found this video unintentionally and valuable for me because my Honda lawn mower just happened the same thing.

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped

[@ludrock2]

Many thanks! I have the same problem here in Australia. I took it back to get the mod done at the dealer, but it didn't make any difference, as it started locking up again after a couple of months. They even replaced the gear box and axle assembly.

[@tc96z1]

I’ve had the same issue in the past. I use ‘Super Slick Stuff’ dry lube at Lowe’s as regular maintenance at least twice every mower season. Just lift the rear wheels and spray behind the wheels around the axle. Keeps corrosion from moisture under control. Cleaning the under side of the deck with a garden hose impacts adversely on this issue. Prevention maintenance is so easy and quick.

[@SteveClark-il7nk]

Thanks. Watched a different video that just changed out the transmission. It was a waste of my time. Thanks FOR THE REAL FIX!

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped and thanks for the comments.

[@charliepearson1678]

This is good info for a person that owns the machine and want to tackle the job . from a service provider aspect this repair could easily take over a hour to perform . witch in some shops could be over a $100. to $150 dollars . IF there is any thing else wrong with the unit and depending on the age of it you may want to consider a new machine .

[@nevinyoung9147]

I found on a Honda mower I recently got from a friend, that if this problem is allowed to continue, the mower will not only lock up the rear wheels but will also stop propelling itself forward due to the bushing and shaft binding together. This was the fix for that too.

[@CarveTools]

Good information. Thanks for the comments!

[@scottfirman]

Thought I would do a follow up for you. I am on my 4th time replacing those axles supports. I have been snapping up Honda mowers with this problem all summer. I just keep fixing them and reselling them. Honda really dropped the ball on that design. At least I am making bank fixing them. Now my own Honda mower needs a set. lol.

[@jamesmosely5170]

I fixed my Honda with your advice and a few tools. Thanks for explaining everything in detail.

[@rishikrishana2068]

Hi CarveTools, great and helpful video, but I want to make sure everyone can understand it. I just wanted to let you know, your captions can be helpful but are a bit off sometimes. For example, at 0:21, the auto captions say "as the milanesa reverse", when it should say "as the mower heats up". This would help over 360 million people who utilize closed captions for understanding videos. Thanks for your understanding!

[@CarveTools]

Hi Rishi, I did not know that CC was available for KZbin videos and I do see how that can help the hearing impaired. That is a wonderful suggestion and I will do some research how to implement that into future videos. Makes sense that the auto CC would not be accurate like the actual text for translation. Thanks for your comments and have a blessed day!

[@tomthompson8060]

Thanks for the video. I'm going to take my axle out tomorrow and check it out sticking bushings .

[@CarveTools]

Hope this has helped. It is a pain to get to the root of the problem and I have had no issues since. Thanks for the comments.

[@captainjayc9217]

Wished I had watched your video before I fixed my Honda lawn mower that used to have the same problem. I had a small engine mechanic to fix it twice; but the problem never really fixed. I also cleaned the "half moon key" inside the wheel assembly; but that didn't help. I cleaned the area on top of the transmission housing where the trigger to engage the transmission is located to remove any debris stuck in that area (the debris prevented the transmission to be fully disengaged); this helped for months. But eventually the problem came back. I tried all the steps one more time. This time nothing helped. I ended up have to replace the entire transmission assembly; but I still didn't know why the old transmission didn't work. Now that I have watched your video, I realize that I should have tried cleaning the shaft. Having said this, I wonder why the rust in the shaft can prevent the wheel from rolling backward but Not prevent the wheel from rolling forward. I think if the rust on the shaft is the problem, it should prevent the wheel from rolling forward and backward, right? I am confused.

[@CarveTools]

The issue on my mower was the rust and dirt on the shaft. Once cleaned I have had no problems since. The reason it rolls forward easily is the half moon key you mentioned acts like a ratchet wrench allowing one direction. Thanks for the comments!

[@frankievazquez1712]

Thank you very much great video it wasn't very long and boring it was to the point and very help full

[@CarveTools]

Thank you! The idea was to show where the problem is not necessarily step by step parts removal.

[@mikerue2423]

Great video, greasing the pinion & wheel gears helps but you probably need to do this once a year . I would soak the plastic bushings overnight in gear oil or a mixture of gear oil & STP. The real problem is that the Honda transmission lacks an internal clutch so the pulley spins backwards when you pull it backwards so there is more drag.

[@garyschwalm4842]

Good job... thanks for the help and sharing your knowledge.

[@CarveTools]

I hope this has helped and thanks for the comments!

[@BruceAlanR]

Thank you for this video! Very helpful fix and I literally pushed (couldn’t pull backwards) through the season to make the repair during the winter. Also, thanks for helping me realize Honda does not care about customers! This should have been a recall in or out of warranty. I will not buy another Honda mower as a result. My mower: HRR2169VKA Again, thank you for this helpful video.

[@garysisk3431]

I will never buy another HONDA as well, mine won't pull forward when lever is engauged, and locked when trying to pull backward, the mower is only 4 years old and only mowed a small lawn, the MURRY I had before the honda lasted 26 years and still running strong, jut wanted a new mower, what a mistake

[@scotta9114]

@@garysisk3431 Hello Gary, I agree that Honda isn't what they used to be - including their vehicles. I have an HRM215 3-speed plastic deck mower. The engine is excellent but the deck has some cracks and mine is also hard to roll backwards. It also jerks with self-propelled engaged, like the drive is dropping out and then grabbing again. Hopefully the belt and not the transmission. But I have some Honda HR-214 mowers from the 80's and they are outstanding. Still running good. I bought the plastic one at an Estate Sale to fix up ($50). Also the plastic deck mower kicks some grass out of the right-side of the deck where the HR-214's vacuum the grass up perfectly.

[@cusoonmyfriend3738]

hi there, i have this problem on a viking mb455 , on the grass it looks broken, when i go backward on a ground made of concrete it does turn sometimes, i will give it a try and see how it is , thank you for this video

[@jpdst29]

I've had my mower for about 3 years now and never had this problem until one day I thoroughly washed it with a hose and the following week the wheels wouldn't roll backwards. I assume water got onto the shaft and caused surface rust and locked up the wheels. I will now have to try this fix and hope it works.

[@CarveTools]

This should work. As of yesterday it still pulls backwards with no issue. Thanks for the comments!

[@Neolantis]

Thank you, the other fixes out there did not seem right. I appreciate it.

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped and check out my newer video of The Real Fix Part 2. It has more details. Thanks for the comments.

[@jaggarcia2600]

Dave this is great helpful video.... Your explanation is clear and concise.... I have this problem with my Honda... It started looking up just 3 months after purchase .. I will check this out and follow your suggestion... It is easy to learn when the instructor is great.

[@alkluttz]

I wish you would have show the process of removing the rear wheels and clips/bolts/etc

[@scottfirman]

You can watch other videos that show this. I personally am glad he showed me this. I have one here with that issue that I want to sell. Now I can fix it right. I already have one and it did that too but works fine now. I honestly thought it was the gear nox.

[@panright1]

Annoying music. does not show how to remove the rear wheels. too much video of Sanding and repeating himself

[@keplermission4947]

No. This video is not going to help because brand new mowers have wheels that lock up, the gear mechanism is very complex indeed. Sanding off the axles and making them smooth has nothing to do with the wheel lock.

[@MrBubbadon]

@@keplermission4947 yet it did

[@LM-ys8kr]

I have a brand new mower 2 weeks old that has already done this. I will try to fix it

[@lorenzohuamanchay7390]

I feel relieved, at least for now. Have identical problem. Ready to attack the problem. May u live till 110.

[@CarveTools]

Good luck Lorenzo, it is a pain to get to the bushings but I have had no issues since this repair. Thanks for the comments!

[@Dallas4131]

Thank you for your video. Maybe simple to some, but something I never knew. Helped a lot!!! Got my wheels moving backwards by living the area up without removing it. Will do this better at the end of the season in a month.

[@dorian6843]

Real nice job, I'm gonna start on my Honda push now.

[@CarveTools]

Thank You!

[@pantera31169311]

My Honda mower made it 15 years to the month before doing this exact thing. I'll give it a shot. I plan on using this mower until it dies.

[@rayhitchcock4899]

Excellent. Thank you for your time and effort.

[@PimpingOutPain699]

For Model HRR216VKA It's Definitely The Drive Pinion Gear Or Ratchet Key... Great Video For The Newer Model.

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the comments!

[@8307c4]

It all depends, I've replaced everything now, I'm doing this video's suggestion next.

[@boballard6040]

Thanks for the explaination. I've had mine since 2017 and it locked up Monday. I just took off the wheels and dripped in some mountain bike chain lube. Seems slick now. Prior to them locking up, the last use was in wet crabgrass on my neighborbor's lawn. The under deck go all mucked up so I hosed everything down.. I think the water hosing of the wheels may have had something to do with it.

[@akjeff64]

Thanks for this, mine has been doing this for a while, so will check it out

[@CarveTools]

Hope this has helped. Check out my newer video of The Real Fix Part 2. It has more details. Thanks for the comments.

[@jeurisledesma3651]

I have the same problem, with my lawnmower. Thank you for sharing the video.

[@punkin7144]

mine is a 2169 vka that just started doing this. a nice excuse for me to buy a good set of snap ring pliers!

[@CarveTools]

External snap ring pliers are essential to get this thing apart. I have a cheap set I bought 20 something years ago. Thanks for the comments!

[@punkin7144]

did the job this morning and the mower now pulls backward smooth as silk.

[@PBhawaiiTLR200]

when its time to service the wheels its HELL getting the snap rigs off! Replace w other type snap ring!

[@ntxhuavlis6757]

Thanks for the share. My is starting to be harder to roll. I might have to deal with it soon.

[@raydiaz140]

You solved two of my problems in one video. You rock sir

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the kind comments! Glad this helped.

[@benkiist8218]

Good video, I would suggest that you grease the shaft where the bushing is located to prevent this from ever happening again. You’ll have less resistance too.

[@wribar]

Thank you for this excellent video. Engineers need to prevent this.

[@bradm3227]

Thank you for the video. I did the fix, but the problem returned. I checked the honda service bulletin but it doesn't apply to my model. I guess I can repeatedly do this fix, and also try lubricants frequently. Will do so until I buy a Toro. Sad, as I like everything else about this mower.

[@MrFishbone1980]

My mower does this too! I have taken it back a number of times. Eventually honda have done a secret recall and upgraded the gearbox. It still does it though and i am now out of warranty.

[@frandanco6289]

The gearbox may have a separate problem, that I know nothing about or have experienced... The dirt, rust, etc., that gets in between the bushing and axle will always be a problem as I have experienced for years... Just a terrible design...

[@Mr1wd]

Just had this happen to me today. I spray both side of the wheel bushing with WD40 and force turned it in reverse by hand and no it’s free to roll back again. It’s quicker fix if you don’t want to disassemble it.

[@quirkygenius]

Mine rear drive craftsman stopped working on the forward drive, but it also has the rear wheel lock up when pulling backwards. A new transmission is $189 ($125 Amazon), and I don't know whether that's bad or something else. The drive won't work, no matter what the adjustment. I'm going to take it off as you show and see if turning the fly wheel also turns the shaft. Should tell me if transmission is shot.

[@gyver471]

Wow great video I was having the same problem👌🏼👌🏼

[@CarveTools]

Thank you for the comments and I hope you were able to fix you mower also.

[@flattratemaniff7554]

Thanks! This will save me the Hassle of investigating the cause of this issue, been driving me nuts! I noticed it gets better when i rinse the thing off so im assuming this is likely the issue.

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped!

[@knfpumps]

I read somewhere that tilting the mower each side and spraying the heck out of both axle/wheel assemblies with WD40 might work. Well, it did, and I might have to rinse and repeat every couple of mowings, but beats taking things apart.

[@CarveTools]

Fantastic! Hope that works and thanks for the information.

[@kommoncents0000]

My Honda mower would do this about 40% of the time during the first 4 years, now it has become locked completely and won't roll back. What would happen if I left those plastic bushings out and not put them back ?

[@tc96z1]

It is designed to work with the bushings. I’ve had the same issue in the past. I use ‘Super Slick Stuff’ dry lube at Lowe’s as regular maintenance at least twice every mower season. Just lift the rear wheels and spray behind the wheels around the axle. Keeps corrosion from moisture under control. Cleaning the under side of the deck with a garden hose impacts adversely on this issue. Prevention maintenance is so easy and quick.

[@mrWkf123]

there's a Honda service bulletin, lawn mower #107, seems the inner bushings are undersize on alot of these mowers and they have made available an oversize set. Mine is in the shop now for this repair, under warranty...

[@CarveTools]

Congratulations! You found a Honda Service Center that has the solution. Would be nice if Honda would share this recall information. Thanks for the comments!

[@CarveTools]

Thanks you mrWkf123 for sharing Honda Power Equipment Lawn Mower Service Bulletin #107.

[@Timsmo0th]

Wow this is very helpful and easy to fix! Thank You!

[@CarveTools]

Glad it helped!

[@billjordan1173]

My HRR started locking up sporadically almost immediately. Came to the web searching for solutions, but wasn't too fond of them because they all have you taking the mower apart to some degree. Based on a comment below, I decided to just give everything anywhere near the rear axel a good spraying with WD40. For two mowings since, I've had no issues. So, for those who are also out here looking for a solution, perhaps a frequent wd40 application is all that is needed. Obviously, that shouldn't have to occur, but I like the mower otherwise, so a small investment in WD40 to keep it working well (hopefully) is worth it to me.

[@djrodrussell3363]

I had the same problem also but with one front wheel. Cleaning the axle is probably the better solution but I got lucky and was able to just spray the axle with WD40. Works great!! Thanks for the video!

[@CarveTools]

This is the most aggravating mower I have ever had when it does not work properly. Thanks for the comments!

[@djrodrussell3363]

CarveTools ok, I hope it works out. Actually mine is a Toro, but the video was still helpful. God Bless!

[@B.Arnold-22964]

Oh yea Ive had to do this to a few of em..It surely works! Can be a pain to remove it when rusty but spray it with PB let it soak over nite much help it was ..These Hondas is the only one I know of that this happens to because of the axle bushings , And it happens to a lot of them..Ugh.

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the comments!

[@chucksierraflpd]

Also I found that cleaning those grooves in the shaft and pinion gears of grit and debris worked.

[@CarveTools]

Unfortunately that did not work in my case. I took the pinion gears off at least 3 times and cleaned everything in sight, applied some light grease and had the same problem. Honda knows about this issue and they have some type of special tool to force grease in the axle bushings. Thanks for you comments!

[@M70ACARRY]

Getting ready to go to the shed and fix it. Thank you, Sir!

[@scottfirman]

Thankyou! All the tips I got were BS. I know which way the cams go and know about the key and spring. So its the bushing! Its a simple fix but involved. I saw one guy put his together but it didnt work after he was done! I broke the 3 speed shifter on mine so had to order one. They are awesome lawn mowers and I wouldnt buy any other mower. The Snapper is a good mower but they use a crappy Briggs motor that viberates. I have issues with my hands so if I can avoid viberation , I do.Thankyou for the REAL fix!

[@CarveTools]

Thanks for the comments! I never found any tips on how to fix this problem so I decided to disassemble it until I found the culprit. Good engine but the rest of this mower is lacking in engineering. I'm trying to be nice.

[@frandanco6289]

RC Hobbyist Extreme -- Sounds like you have been in that fix a few times, as have I, because I like to scoot it over sideways to mow the next line, it sometimes moves the big C-clip underneath that holds that entire right rear assembly together. So then the height adjustment goes to the ground.. Soooo, I pull out my 18-year-old Snapper, and finish the lawns.. :) Yeah, I guess the B&S engine vibrates more but I dont notice it or need it not vibrate.. The Snapper absolutely kills any mower with its great vacuum and straight, even cut!! No other mower does it like an old snapper that has the big rotating disk with the rubber drive disk over it.. And if you really want to make your lawn look like any golf green or baseball infield grass, try cutting it in 2 directions... Nothing compares.. :) I too had hand, arm, carpal issues years ago and after trying everything, the ONLY true relief I ever got was when I went to a hand surgeon, and he using micro technology, to go into the carpal tunnel block near my wrists and all the other carpal tunnel places in each finger, and after that, it was unbelievable !!! No more of those hand arm issues, been going strong for almost 20 years.. Good luck with your projects! I hope all you guys are safe from that dang virus..