Solved! The Mysterious Case of the Honda Lawnmower That Wouldn't Pull Backwards

Have you been struggling to get your Honda lawnmower to pull backwards? This is the solution to the mystery of the Honda lawn mower that won't pull backwards! In this video, we'll show you how to fix the problem and get your lawnmower working again like new!
If your Honda lawnmower is won't pull backwards, be sure to watch this video to find out how to fix the problem. We'll walk you through the process of fixing the Honda lawnmower and getting it working like new again! Get ready to mow that grass!!
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#stevessmallenginesaloon #smallenginerepair #smallengine #repair #troubleshooting #engine #lawnandgarden #lawnmower #lawnmowerrepair #mowerrepair #honda

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

✅Click here for a can to mix your penetrating fluid in ➜ amzn.to/3FWGBM4 ✅Click here for a new fuel cap ➜ amzn.to/2zn4ARK ✅Click here for a common air filter ➜ amzn.to/3iLNFwr For more videos like this, check out: 👉How To Free Up A Seized Bolt or Nut ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXbPdYBma7KeacU 👉Proper Way To Tip A Lawn Mower Over ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5aoh5ydqLukqKc 👉How To Fix a Lawn Mower That Quits, Dies or Stalls After 2 Minutes ➜ kzbin.info/www/bejne/l37WcpeMmteVrNU You can connect with Steve here too: ✅Visit Steve’s WEBSITE ➜ www.stevessmallenginesaloon.com/ ✅Visit Steve’s PARTS & TOOL STORE ➜ www.amazon.com/shop/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on FACEBOOK ➜ facebook.com/stevessmallenginesaloon ✅Follow Steve on INSTAGRAM ➜ instagram.com/stevessmallenginesaloon/ ✅Follow Steve on TWITTER ➜ twitter.com/SteveSaloon ✅Follow Steve on TIKTOK ➜ www.tiktok.com/@stevessmallenginesaloon

[@D-train69]

Any reason my push mower cuts better when I'm pulling it backwards?

[@HemiRod23]

I work at a Honda Power Equipment dealership, and this is a common issue with the HRR216 mowers. When you tip the mower on it's side, there is a little plastic seal on each side of the transmission shaft (axle) where you lubricated it. You can take a small screw driver and pop that seal out, then use your penetrating oil, and pop the seal back in again. We actually do this during a routine tune-up if the machine is hard to roll backward. Over time, the problem will slowly get worse until that rear bearing needs to be replaced. The parts are cheap. The bearing assembly already installed in the wheel adjuster arm is under $10 (US) for each side. When you change those out, the machine rolls backward like it did when it was new. Love your channel, Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@D-train69]

Hay you work at Honda, I've got a quick question for ya. I have a push mower an it leaves long grass when pushing forward but when I pull it backwards it cuts like a dream any idea why this might be??? Any feed back will be much appreciated, Thanks.

[@HemiRod23]

@@D-train69 what model is it?

[@D-train69]

@@HemiRod23 it's a Husqvarna model HU675AWD.

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Any words of wisdom for a HRM 215 with this issue?

[@tonyalways7174]

Great tip because that’s a really common problem on Hondas and changing the bushing is a pain in the backside unless absolutely necessary.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Agreed!

[@HemiRod23]

You can get the wheel adjuster assembly, and it comes with the bushings already installed. There is a large snap ring inside the deck that holds the wheel adjuster assembly in place. You need to remove both sides, or clean the drive shaft with emery tape to slide the transmission to the side. Slide it the direction of the long shaft. The short shaft side isn't long enough to get it out. I get an hour to do both sides. After you do a few dozen, you can do it in about 45 minutes.

[@MadDog6945]

I had that same problem with mine. I thought it was one of those crazy safety features they keep adding to mowers.

[@davidstein792]

Thanks, Steve. I had that exact problem several years ago. Since my yard is too small for a self-propelled mower, I removed drive-related components until it rolled backwards easily. Wish I had seen this first. You are one of the good ones.

[@bluecar5556]

Wait, you didnt save the drivetrain when removing it?

[@jamesbubnick]

A few years back I bought a composite deck honda that wouldn't pull back...seller said he took it to 2 honda dealerships and both said it needed a transmission. I took the wheels apart and after cleaning up the mechanism it was the engagement cable. The cable was frayed and wouldn't let the spring release transmission to pull backwards.$20 cable later it ran perfect

[@BudHowell-zn2lf]

Thanks Steve, ONCE AGAIN your site saves frustration and bam, done. Gotta put you on speed dial. Thanks again

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@papalilburn]

Steve, I just tried your quick fix for oiling the shaft on the rear wheels, it worked like the proverbial charm! Thanks so much for the Honda Hack! From a fan in Texas!

[@TheCruiseDog]

This solution freed up my mower in 30 minutes. Thanks, Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@patrickcorbin8894]

Have a Honda with this problem. Couple of years ago, I took it to a dealer for a tuneup and fix for the reverse problem. They told me it was SUPPOSED to be hard to pull backward. Basically stopped using it until I found your fix. Genius! Took me thirty seconds, but I’m old!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@Steve-pl8cp]

Yep, had the problem of the wheels locked when I pulled the mower backwards. Tried your fix, and it worked well ! The other you tube people were taking the axle out, which is a big painful time sink. Your fix is tons easier! Thank you!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Great to hear!

[@rexkirkland3720]

Thanks Steve, you have the best solution.

[@earthsider9114]

My thanks also. Already had to mess around in there to replace a wheel bracket. Didn't want to do that again. I'm going to keep spraying that routinely this summer.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@therandomman6647]

Amazing! This fixed my old lawn boy 670530. Much appreciated! Please keep up the good tips!

[@johnskalnik5571]

I have that problem with mine now, first two years it was pretty easy to back it up, but this spring when I cut my lawn low after winter it was really hard to backup. Glad for the fix you have shown, makes life easier.

[@johneverson2433]

This was a lot easier fix than what other u-tube channels suggested

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@davidnord1979]

Smart man I've been using that stuff for 40 years

[@stanleyone5222]

I may have forgotten to thank you. Wife and I were driving in the next neighbor and saw one for a county pickup. The owner was outside and we asked and asked if we could have it, he said "sure sure". I didn't even know it rolled backwards at first, but saw the video and cleaned the axle with compressed air and lubricated it. I was able to get it running, but gas was leaking from the carburetor. I have a woodshop and made a new gasket, note they are very thin. That worked fine and now we use the mower all the time. Nice mowers, but I think the weak link is the front wheel toe-in problems, which I fixed by tweaking the heavy brackets, which took some heavy hits from a big mallet!

[@syedshah6619]

Thanks Steve ❤

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@cuevjg]

I have a Honda and a Toro with that same problem. I will be trying this. Thanks for the tips and all the information you share with us. Watching your videos from the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.

[@billcubed1963]

Perfect fix! Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@k1hasard]

I had a Honda push mower that was a pain to pull backwards. I gave it to my neighbor when I hurt my knee and got a tractor. He has used it for two seasons now and I see him pulling back hard on the mower, so I am going to pass on this tip to him and maybe it will loosen up. Hopefully it works so he has an easier time mowing with it. He's in his upper 70's so easier is always better.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@magicone9327]

Different models will have different issues with that problem. Some have a clutch return lever that doesn’t return 100% to neutral , some the spring is broke, some get crap into the return mechanism and jambs it up. Follow the cable from the top of the handle to where it connects to the trans. If there is a lever there then force it to move by whatever means you have, like a long handled screw driver, make it move to see if it will go opposite of the cable pull direction to a position further than it started at, clean area with air, then lube it.

[@sapelesteve]

Your tips are always informative and spot on Steve! Thanks. 👍👍

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnskitzis6540]

Great tip! Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@whitetiger8652]

Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@pamcooper4081]

A suggestion for when things get so bad you do have to tear into the bushing/axle: after cleaning everything up and polishing the rust off the axle, lubricate the ends of the axle with anti-seize compound before putting the bushing back on and re-assembling. it's highly water resistant and will slow rust formation. I've found I can go a lot longer before things tighten up again...and then you can try Steve's easy suggestion to get the wheels turning again.

[@georgepruitt637]

Personally, I've drilled and tapped bushings--- for grease fittings.

[@williamwelch7]

Thanks Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jovanovichjoe]

You helped me with a bothersome problem, again, Steve. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Glad to help

[@richardybanez9052]

Look At The Awesome Weather In Canada.I I Love This Podcast. April's Small Engine Saloon. You Rock.Happy Summer Everyone. Richard.

[@jgtt1493]

It worked. Unbelievable easy fix

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@ihus9950]

Works every time 👍🏻

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@tonyd1149]

Thank you Steve. Excellent tips. Thank you for making & posting this video.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

My pleasure!

[@grahamclark432]

Legend! This has been driving me nuts for ages.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@larrybenedict6293]

Great info Steve we always appreciate your videos

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@1944chevytruck]

thanks 4 tip

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@claudiolazzara5729]

Very helpful tip. Thanks again

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@troylindsey1444]

I have the same issue with my Toro. I'm going to see of this fixes it. Thanks

[@bonnie7988]

Thanks for the tip!!❤❤

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@rickbarksdale2652]

Thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@fixit4182]

It works. Thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're welcome!

[@sammyday3341]

Excellent video. Thank you sir.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

So nice of you

[@corujabuho8253]

Super useful as usual, Steve. Just scored a well-kept of those exactly; same issue. Thank you again.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@OpenAirAdventure]

Thanks Steve. Cheers

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@joedominick7517]

Thanks Steve great video!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@Quarterhorse44]

My mower was doing this, and your tip fixed it. Thank you!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@jonathanbrownlee130]

Thanks!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Welcome!

[@02155Tony]

It finally rolls backward !! Thanks a million !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@djfunkycraig]

Great Video Steve thank you heaps for you time!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Very welcome

[@michaelweatherhead9470]

Great job Steve 👍❤❤ it, easy fix.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@RaleysSmallEngines]

Great video as always Steve!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@vanwhalen3719]

Great Tip! Your channel is so very helpful !

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@luvr381]

Man, I love this channel!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@philliphall5198]

Thank You for information and advice Will try it 😊

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Most welcome 😊

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Steve .

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@stevenfuchs2548]

Well I did this "fix". May be a little better. It's still not the same as another HRM 215 I have. Have 5 of them! Love your videos! Great videos, great Beer!!

[@ernestkooistra1559]

Thanks! ✌

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@WOTT101]

Thank you Steve! I have this issue with my Honda. I will give it a shot next weekend.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Good luck!

[@fixit4182]

I have this mower, I have this problem and yes you helped BIG TIME , thank you Steve

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@MrLuigi-oi7gm]

Nice solution, Steve! I use to have this exact problem with my Honda mower. However, after I cut the lawn now, I take my leaf blower and blow any debris that has accumulated under the mower in that area around the transmission bushings. No problems since then. An ounce of prevention is worth...

[@iantouzel638]

Just bought a used HRR216, back tires are crazy worn out , now i know why, will do your fix before oredering new back wheels. Thanks man.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@scottmcneill761]

Got the exact same mower as that and it is doing the same thing, awesome keep up the good videos

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@davetires7300]

Thanx Steve 🤓👍🇺🇸

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Any time!

[@m.a.r.services5720]

Good to know! I own a Honda. Thanks

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@100vg]

Cool, and great tip about how to tilt a push mower on the carb side! I have a Black Max pressure washer with that issue, but it's wheel bolts tightening from pushing forward. I'm going to put some locktight on the threads to see if that does the trick. I have adjusted the bolts, but the wheels are not allowing backward motion again. The wheels dig ruts in the lawn, and moving it backward on the shed floor and on the driveway are a pain. Maybe some lube in there would help, too. I'll take the wheels off one at a time and inspect what should work. Tell April Hi for me. Thanks again, Steve.

[@1funcar]

Woah! I can’t wait to try this!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@liljoeii6091]

Thank you for the idea and thank you for the video

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@johnmcdougald1238]

Very Timely for me. I'll give that a shot. I have a Husqvarna/Honda push mower that I just had to replace the belt and rear drive on and it's been impossible to pull back. I think it might be a combination of that and the belt I got might be too tight. Even with the tension off, it still wants to self propell a little bit.

[@brettnipps7205]

I have the same mower and yes I have the same problem... Thanks Steve.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@akjeff64]

Thanks for this! my Honda is hard to pull back, I will give this a try!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@gregb8824]

+1 for PB Blaster in this case!

[@crazydonutface]

Would like a belt change video on this Honda lawnmower

[@tomhetherington5586]

Your a joy to watch and learn from🎉

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@trumpzilla4193]

Stevo Rocks....Love from Windermere!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@Leonardokite]

Lubrication is a good thing.

[@Myfavouritewaponismp5-cj]

yes

[@oldmanhads2043]

That's what she said.

[@Leonardokite]

@@oldmanhads2043 hahaha, that's one of my favorite lines.

[@markbrown1609]

Steve has saved me a fortune on doing small engine repairs down here in these Tennessee Hills, running a farm and small Dental Practice is a lot of overhead, every cent counts. With the savings, I am able to do more Pro Bona Dental work here in my community. So I will pop open a bottle of Moose Head and have a toast Steves Small Engine Salloon.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@DonaldTingle]

Had same problem, Honda dealer even had Honda engineer check on it, neither could get it fixed. So I put it on the street and bought a MTD. My mower had a different type drive.

[@phildelgiudice3448]

1 sip job! Nice tip on homemade penetrating oil!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Thank You...

[@johnmccormick175]

Thanks Steve ,i have the same lawnmower and it has been hard to pull back ever since i got it (bought it used) tomorrow i will be following your instructions--thank you so very much for all the times you have helped! Cheers!

[@jamessullivan6985]

Is it tomorrow yet?

[@chuckt4465]

Thanks for sharing this fix Steve. I took my HRX to a Honda Power Equipment dealer while in year 2 of the 6 year warranty for this problem. They told me nothing was wrong with it. They probably didn’t care because I bought my mower from HD?

[@ktjwilliams]

THX !!! Enjoy the brewski !!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@pyrog.c.c89]

Thanks buddy. I got a lawn boy that does that.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@douglasjackson9058]

Great tip thanks! Going to make your concoction also 😉

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@patrickcavanaugh9013]

Hi Steve just wanted to say you have helped me so many times I just wanted to thank you. I’m a master electrician with 30 yr’s exp. & have many other talents. But! I am not a very good engine mechanic never have been. I am always impressed how simply you present your information @ how I’m able to grasp it. Many thanks pat

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on buddy! Thank You...

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Steve Thank you for another Great Video 👍 That is a lot better than what I've seen on KZbin before. A lot less work 😊 Again thank you

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@tbvv6729]

Great tip, much better than taking the wheels off and removing the driveshaft to sand it down. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@majorpayne5289]

👍Good stuff Sir Steve. Thx man!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@paule.maurice1521]

Try Fluid Film on those nasty bushings Sprays quick , penetrates slow, does what others don't

[@andersjohansson6118]

I have a 30 year old Toro GTS recycler with the same issue. I will give that a try with the ATF. I found it was the engagement pins that would get sticky and not always release when pulling in reverse. I took it apart and regreased with standard grease, so maybe the ATF concoction you used is a better alternative. BTW. The only problem with the Toro is age. I think I need to replace the ignition. It always starts within the first pull or two when cold, but takes several pulls if the engine is warm. I suspect the ignition gets weaker when itis warm. Love your channel and the support April provides to make you the shinning rock star!

[@yowser8780]

Good to see that was the problem with yours. Unfortunately, I had the transmission fail. Pulled trans all the way out of the lawnmower (ala no bushings)... vice grip on the shaft... no turn (bummer). Bought a new transmission. New trans was failed out of the box. Sent it back and tried another one... it was good. If you need to do replace the underside stuff.. take gas and oil out of the mower and turn it UPSIDE down between a few sawhorses. Make sure you have some decent snap-ring pliers, and get new snap rings from Honda... including the wheel assemblies... the snap rings are not standard !

[@lonhoschar1943]

Who'd-a-thunk? Great tip!! Thanks again Steve!!!!!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@mikebennett5442]

Verry helpful my dads mower does the same thing

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@daflea66]

Love how you operate my man, looks a lot like my shop 😀

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Right on

[@denverheid4604]

I tore it apart a couple seasons ago, worked like a charm, glad I don’t have to do that again however. Thanks Steve!

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

You're Welcome...

[@carlangstrom3025]

Tried penetrating oil and gave immediate results. Thank you.

[@StevesSmallEngineSaloon]

Fantastic!

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

I have one of those mowers. The one I have is a HONDA and has an aluminum body with a huge crack and a big chunk missing. The motor is PERFECT, and I really like the fact that the blade doesn't turn until you squeeze the handle. I've been doing small engine repair for about 10 years now and I can't find another body for it.

[@jaredpoboisk9094]

Hey Steve, I've been working at a small engine shop for the past couple years and have worked out a good trick to cure this problem. Instead of just putting oil over those bushing caps, just get yourself a pick and remove the cap, blow out and clean out the inside and pack some grease inside. I've had them to the point where they wouldn't even roll backwards and would scrape on the ground but this clears it right up. Every time.

[@jaredpoboisk9094]

Obviously, pop the seal back in when done. They come out very easily. I pressure wash the inside after removing, blow out, pre lubricate and work in with whatever spray lube you want and pack with grease. Makes em' smooth like butter.

[@ryanhebert5033]

I have watched 4 videos on taking the thing apart to fix this problem. I was about to give it a shot, until I saw your video. I cannot wait to get home to try this first. What kind of lubrication do you use in the spray? I have WD-40 and some silicone spray lube.

[@patricknesbit2334]

I have found this to happen on regular mowers with each wheel as junk builds up between the hole and the axle. Sometimes the drag gets so bad it feels like you are pushing through mud. A little squirt of lubricant in the hole takes care of the issue. So i can see how the elements would would easily combine to mess up the works on a self propelled unit.

[@derrasenmaher9730]

Thats some great Information there, Thank you! I have a Problem with a GCV 135 Honda engine. It is over revving like crazy, what could be wrong?

[@jongraff6931]

Love your videos, very helpful, but I can't find a video for carb adjusting and repair for the fs stihl 4 mix trimmers. Thank you!