Troy-Bilt front wheel drive LAWNMOWER BOTH WHEELS wont turn TRANSMISSION Belt problems HOW TO fix

Jeff shows you HOW TO FIX a common Troy-Bilt or CRAFTSMAN front wheel drive LAWNMOWER that WONT SELF PROPELLED problem. BOTH FRONT WHEELS will not turn TRANSMISSION Drive Belt problems repair. self propelled doesn't work . Briggs and Stratton . Easy way. Why wont't the wheels TURN? drive system shown explained tutorial Craftsman John Deere Poulan Yard Machines Hayter Mastercraft Bolens Toro Walmart seafoam model engine Briggs and Stratton lawnboy troybilt troy built bilt lawn mower replace take off on put which where why does when remove will not replace install new parts diagram where go
Music by my band BonzaiRod
Copyright 2020 Jeff's Little Engine Service
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PLEASE KEEP IN MIND when you are watching my videos: I am showing you the least expensive, quickest "backyard" methods for repairing or servicing your lawnmower or equipment. Replacing all components such as gaskets and fuel lines is always recommended when rebuilding or repairing equipment. With these videos I hope you are able to fix and repair your lawnmower yourself with minimal parts, knowledge and tools. Thank you for watching!

[@ScottJ794]

Very helpful video. My belt came off, probably due to grass build up under the front cover. 9 screws holding that cover on. Ridiculous. I would advise anyone with this problem to try removing just the front cover first. That's how I did it, and I had no need to remove the blade and cover underneath.

[@solonguyen8836]

How can u see to put the belt in under the cover? It can slip on?

[@accountstube]

Thank you. Between the video and your comment, I made quick work of it

[@thomasholland2669]

If you clean before you start work I find it makes it easier to find the problems. 5 minutes of cleaning!

[@MichaelMosesHammer]

Wow! Really?

[@sarahsindo4048]

Yes, it bothered me that he worked around the compact grass the whole time 😩

[@philliphall5198]

@@sarahsindo4048I try to have 5/6 jobs to wash at one time and let dry for the next day of work Clean is the best way to fix it

[@stinzz3]

💯

[@j.lietka9406]

Just about can't believe he didn't clean the front drive area, & didn't clean too well underneath!! 😱

[@maximilliantitus5507CC]

Even though you have a Troy Bilt and I have a Craftsman, your drive cover comes off the same. It took me less than 20 minutes to put my drive belt back in place. Worked just fine afterwards. Thanks.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for commenting, good to know

[@sewwithstyle9647]

Thank You, Jeff. My son and I watched your video, collected our tools and repaired our Troy-Built Walk Behind Ourselves.👐💪 I'm proud to say that our mower deck was free of grass and dirt build up and that we had the Satisfaction of the Repair and we saved our family the cost of the repair 🔧

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job you can fix anything if you are thoughtful about it!

[@tomc1861]

I just ran into this problem earlier today. I attempted to check under the top cover but couldn't get it off. I was running out of daylight, so I just pushed thru it. I'm glad I found your video, you had the same mower as I do and now I know what to look for. Thanks

[@stownley2005]

The chicken cut scene was worth the watch! Lol

[@ozone99]

Man that was an awesome video! All the other videos skipped the part on how to get the cover off of the front pulley. Even the owners manual skipped that part. So a virtual handshake to you sir 🫱 , I appreciate your help and have a great day!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks friend! I am happy it helped

[@dfields9511]

Yah, I would of power washed under it before I even touch it. Great vid there. Like the chickens 🐓. Brings whole new meaning to Taryl fixes all saying when he fixed something “there’s your dinner” 🍳 🥚

[@Terry_Baker]

I always clean up the the units first before I work on them. Never know if there's poison ivy mixed in with the grass or not...

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good point!

[@ronaldlewisjr.1634]

Thank you so much!!! This video was perfectly done, easy to follow, and helped me save my Mother from buying a new lawnmower! Thank you again!!!😀

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Great to hear!

[@fromtheheartlifesolutions2978]

Your video was beyond helpful because I have no experience with repairing anything with an engine. It took me much longer than you but I finally removed all the bolts and removed the cover seeing that the belt had come off. Thank God I did not have to remove the blade. Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@asl2mckays]

Good for you! Take all the time you need. ❤

[@117bd]

Started to cut my grass and self propelled stopped working. Your video was first one to pop up. Tells me everything i needed to know about taking apart to repair and i thank you. Every thing i work on i clean before i start to take apart.

[@gregpilcher7663]

I would have shortened this video myself but it absolutely helped me fix my lawn mower. My belt had come loose. It was surprisingly difficult to find all the bolts due to the cut up grass covering everything. Thanks for making this video!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@KenWilson68]

Saved the day. Don't know if I would have ever found all the bolts to remove the drive cover. Thanks!

[@DouglasBWelch]

Thanks very much. I had the same issue and your video helped me a lot. I added my own little hack. I used a thin elastic band to pinch the belt to ensure it ran inside the pins and it was much easier to get the bottom cover on. Anything strong enough to pinch the belt but weak enough to break when you fire up the engine will do.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Nice work!

[@chrisbarshick9598]

Saved me $600 - thought I was going to have to buy a new mower. Thanks Jeff!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job! Thanks for watching

[@jonevans7669]

Great video, exactly what I needed to see to get my mower's drive fixed!

[@kristopher_j9858]

Exactly what mine looked like. Thank you so much for the help. Should get the rest of the season on the belt, replace it in the fall. That way it’s ready for next season. :)

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Great to hear! Glad it helped, good job!

[@frangiew9076]

Jeff You did a very good job ...short & sweet ! I started her up Wheels didn’t turn...figured I’d be spending the day fixing instead of mowing the lawn. I watched your video, so with fixing & cleaning I was back to mowing within the hour. 👌

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Right on

[@markrodenburg6349]

Ditto. Thanks for the great video!!!

[@KingKel1001]

The same thing was wrong with my troy bilt. I looked at your video and took my lawn mower apart and put the belt back on and it rolling now thanks alot my guy.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Right on

[@seansedgeman7380]

Jeff your the man! I haven’t tried this yet but I’m Closer then I was before trying to solve the issue. Hoping Chanel locks or something will work for the blade bolt.

[@andrewrojas668]

Thank you! I fixed my lawn mower because of this!!! My neighbors are thinking I’m a professional mechanic 😆

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Good job, my neighbors thought the same thing. LOL!

[@ivormalik]

Just watched your video and had to replace the blade and the belt had come off. Everything is fixed and running great. Thanks for the help!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped, good job!

[@accountstube]

Thanks man. I know this is a small problem, all things considered, but people like you make a difference

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad to help, thanks for the nice comment!

[@Baldwindiesels]

Solved the problem, thanks! Had tried once before & think I missed avoiding the guides, it didn’t work. Appreciate the good help!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped!

[@jonesm7854]

Thanks so much for this tutorial! My hubby is ill and wasn't able to fix our mower. I was able to troubleshoot and replace the belt in about 30 minutes.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

great job, thanks for watching

[@paulaldermaniii1461]

Just fixed my mower with this video , awesome job thanks again.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job!

[@banderson5676]

Thank you, my man. It's good people like you that post videos like these for the common good of humaninty. Really, thank you.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad I could help!

[@Ricky-Loves-Loy]

Thank You, Jeff, you showed me all the mistakes I made. you are a good teacher.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

glad it helped. Thanks friend!

[@user-cv7mr4gs7r]

Thank you for this information! I had to watch a couple of times just so I got it right!! I couldn’t have done it without you!!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job!

[@johnblevins2248]

Thanks for making this video... Just watched it and fixed my mower.... best how to video on KZbin I've watched

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Wow, thanks!

[@baddad5781]

Thoroughly enjoy your videos guy. Bought a used mower just like this for $20 just to tinker and found out the self propelled kills the engine when engaged. Can't wait to get into it and see what's up. Hey btw show more of your animals when you can. Very entertaining

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching! more animals it is!

[@kevinbacon6091]

Thank you!!! I fixed it the other day, I saw your video a few weeks ago for the second time a couple of months ago 🤔 remembered everything, no problem, except, I only had 2 screws on the guard, none underneath 👍 everything went too smooth, and there really wasn't too much debris, I clean the mechanics up with a little brake cleaner, pb blaster, hot soap and water, and bought a new blade, it's like it just came off the line, I changed the fluids, and baby is purring like a kitten, the front wheel drive is moving so good I think it lost its wobbly, and MORAL of the story, the belt was still like brand new, is that cool or what👍 THANKS AGAIN

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

nice work

[@Dnoil382]

Even after your video, I had to flip mower over a few times to remove the 1000’s screws…. Thanks for video, belt came off front pulley.

[@abhishekmahendru1583]

This was so helpful. I was hoping it was debris but it was belt. I hate taking gazillion things off. 😂

[@darreldavis7884]

Shout outs to you dear Sir. I’ll keep this short. But same scenario here with the wheels not spinning. Exact same mower. I followed your steps and am happy to say she’s running fine now. However two of all the screws I removed don’t fit back in the outer top holes. Seem to be a bit thicker than the rest. Thanks a lot.

[@robbieaussievic]

..... Well done Mate, I wish I had your L4, L5 Disks. I have to work on everything at standing height.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I'm gonna have to get more work tables for sure

[@leebarker539]

Save a little time...play this at 1.5; every word is understandable. Helpful information.

[@lazarusmesserian8186]

Thanx. Your video saved me a lot of further frustration and time. Great job! By the way I think the design engineer for that mower also designed the hiding location of the oil filter on my Buick.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped!

[@kevinmerendino761]

Same problem finding ALL 8 bolts stopped and KZbin 'd and WALLA THANK YOU!!!

[@ronaldfuhrer]

Very helpful, thanks. But the other guy is right too. You don't have to take the blade and bottom cover off.. just did mine in 5 minutes, thanks to both of you

[@TrustNone35]

How did you do it?

[@QUANLE-sv1qn]

Thank you so much much! I have the same problem. Your video tell me how to fix it. I almost go to by a new lawn mower. This one I have it since 2007.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@SteveSmith-ix5ir]

Did exactly as he said, with same mower, and it works again!

[@TimTurner115]

That was a lot of grass. Glad you fixed it . thank you sir

[@dr6044]

Thank you so much👍. I love how honest you are in it. Very cool👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

thanks for watching friend!

[@evanski2271]

Thanks Jeff, you’re a true lifesaver.

[@mjg263]

I miss the jams! Thanks for the vid Jeff 👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

That is all I needed to hear! I will bring them back!

[@mjg263]

Jeff's Little Engine Service you guys are AWESOME!

[@Cacti88]

Great job Jeff!!! Informative and entertaining...thank you

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Swainky]

I know this is an old vid and im necroing it. I just wanted to say thankyou for the video. it helped me in figuring out how to put the belt retainer back on. The only thing other then the clean it first comments I've seen over and over, is always pop the plug wire off the mower before ever turning it while under it. i dont care if there is an engine brake on it. The state at which most mowers are at when you get to having to repair stuff like this is normally under some neglect and years of wear. i wouldnt trust an engine brake to keep an engine that starts by turning the engine in the first place. Just my two cents. even if it was electric start and had a ground kill wire.

[@robertford9388]

Thank you... a very useful video. Helped me conquer my self propellant problem with the Troy- Built I have.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped, good job!

[@MrRgg52]

I had the same problem with that front cover didn't see those bolts underneath. Thank you.😂

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad I could help

[@charlotterigney7853]

I inherited this mower from my brother and it has the same problem. I have replaced everything on the front axle, new missing axle clips, wheel bearing assembly, belt and drive cable. I even took the belt gear box apart and cleaned and added new grease to the gears Wheel gears are fine, no broken teeth. It still doesn't pull. Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated... My county is so small, I have no repair shops to take it to . I loved the video.

[@davidhallman4011]

That long, narrow piece of steel you bolted down in the center that use to cut grass once? Please tell us you replaced that for an extra $20 before you returned the mower back to the owner?

[@jerryperez2786]

Thanks for the vid and rock them socks and sandals. Had to show my daughter so she sees I’m not the only one

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

LOL!

[@soyews]

I had the drive cable break on mine.... Thanks for saving me some time.

[@shaneniedentohl213]

Thanks a whole lot! Couldn't find the bolts to get it off, too much old grass. Was driving me 🤪

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@dennmark4843]

Great vid, glad you cleaned the deck!

[@ericdarby5614]

Thank you sir me and my girlfriend followed your instructions and we replaced that belt.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Great job!

[@barrykem8876]

I knocked the belt off one of these just by slamming the front end on the ground to try to kick out wet grass. We paid for it to be repaired that time, but I've replaced the belt once since then with this method.

[@TheBigfootExpertonYoutube]

perfect! thank you

[@TrustNone35]

Great video. Do you have a part number for the belt? I need to do this on my mower.

[@charlesgraham843]

I use a pressure washer or air compressor on my push mower and riding mower after I use them.

[@waymonhubbard7819]

I just watched your video and it was just what I needed to know. Thanks

[@EllisMowersandmore]

Did this to one last week. More of a pain than it should be with all the screws. The previous gen troy bilts were so much easier. Two screws and be the cover was off and you could access the self propel. These, not so much.

[@iheartjim2]

he hehe so funny when you said WOA !! is slow motion!! Still laughing! My front wheels turn a little and then just freeze. My mower is not even a year old! It was working fine and then all of a suf=dden the wheels froze..

[@user-cc5rp9fn5j]

I appreciate the video. In my attempt i must have tried more than a dozen times to get the cover off. I searched the deck over and over and could not find a hidden bolt. I could not get the cover off. Thanks anyway.

[@stephaniesimmons2818]

Very informative and to the point video! One question, is it okay to turn the mower on it’s side with an almost full tank of gas?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Best to tip it up from the front , tipping to the wrong side can cause problems

[@paulmonk7820]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService Which is the wrong side? I always thought it should not be laid on the muffler side to keep oil from getting into the muffler. BTW, thanks for the video. Gotta do this on my neighbor's mower.

[@Glenn_123]

Great video as always!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I appreciate that thanks

[@asl2mckays]

Thank you for this video. My one question is about tipping the mower on its side. I thought the oil (& gas?) would get into the engine in places you don’t want it. I guess I thought that was a no-no. I also may have just made that up! 😂 I’m definitely not criticizing. I’m here to learn. ❤

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

That is correct! that can happen if you leave the mower on it's side for too long. Tipping it to the carburetor/gas tank hole side is the safest way to do it.

[@davidmessinger2784]

Hi Jeff. I have the same mower and yes, the screws are a real PITA. I found your video while looking for a solution to my problem. The last time I used the mower it stopped pulling so I removed the cover, put the belt back on the front pully and put it away. Today I started mowing and in just a few minutes the belt came off the front pully again. I stopped, removed the cover and put the pully back on. Again, it stopped pulling and I finished the lawn without the drive. I've tried belt dressing. Pulling the mower backwards seems to cause the belt to jump off the front pully. I'm thinking of replacing the tensioning spring? Any suggestions? BTW I didn't know the retaining cage pulled out, so thanks for that tip.

[@stephenhagen234]

All belts stretch over time and with use. They also loose their elasticity because the rubber in them dries out and cracks. I would just replace it if I went to this much work to gain access and by all means clean ALL the grass clippings from the self-propel drive and under the deck. The mower will discharge the grass clippings much more efficiently if there is not a lot of grass buildup underneath.

[@jdzukij8314]

Great video Jeff, thank you , I’m gonna tackle this tomorrow as mine stopped working today. One question, how do you keep the oil from running out of engine when mower is on its side ? I’ve had this happen before

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

It is not good to leave the mower on its side for more than 20-30 seconds. Lifting it from the front is the best practice.

[@stephenhagen234]

Proper maintenance done regularly goes a long way to preventing scenerios like this from happening. I am amazed that I rarely ever see someone raising the hood on their car and checking the oil when they are pumping gas at the gas station. All cars use oil and there is no such thing as a hermetically sealed combustion chamber. Neglect accelerates the wear process between the metal surfaces that must slide and rub and rotate against each other. You may not see the consequences of neglect at that moment but the time will come when expensive repairs are necessary to correct years of neglect.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

That's a fact Jack!

[@mandeepgill9424]

Thank you Jeff I Watch your Video and Replaced Self Propelled Cable It Help me Lot

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

awesome I am happy it helped

[@derrickswynn]

This video was very Helpful. Thank you so much. Great Job!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful!

[@6058jeremysmith]

Well done 👍 that’s a very useful video, thank you

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful!

[@russb3816]

I just love the angry chicken. Great video!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol! Thanks for watching

[@z95m]

I hope you charged a bunch extra for having to deal with that encrusted grass!

[@Soli_Deo_Gloria_.]

@Jeff, Hello, I have a Troy Bilt TB 240 lawn mower and it's front wheel. The drive wheels both turn when the drive lever is engaged, but when I release the lever to pull the mower backwards they both sieze. I watched some videos of guys cleaning and sanding the axel where the bushing sets and rotates around the axel, but I'm not sure if that could be the problem when both wheels sieze in reverse ? And no, I have not torn it down yet. Any suggestions would be most appreciated. Thank you Best Regards

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

yes it is usually wheel or axle bearings/gear . Try lubeing everything up and make sure everything moves freely

[@mikemarcus8676]

Before you attack the belt issue, make sure it doesnt needing a couple of generous shots of WD40. I had that problem and the lubricant fixed the problem

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Good tips Mike

[@michaelrussell499]

Finally some one with a dirtier mower than mine!!🤣🤣 great video!

[@OBeezyNB]

Have to do this same repair tomorrow on my sister's at her house,do you know what size sockets I will need to complete this same job? TIA

[@rauladdams5709]

Right on boss, very helpful 👍 thanks!

[@rauladdams5709]

Sure enough, belt slipped off. Had just finished changing the busted pull cord, twice. Only to discover self-propeller wasn't working. Running just fine now. Saved the cost of buying a new mower three times in the past 3 years with a little research and repair work. Self-repair should always be a consideration, before jumping right to total replacement, 👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

good job!

[@annierenard5954]

very good video thank you

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thank you too

[@elkscout1]

if you'd cleaned the lower side of the deck beforehand, then you probably would have seen all those bolts the first time. just a suggestion, you might share with your viewers the sizes of the sockets needed for the relevant fasteners. I would have tested the operation of self-propel before putting everything back together.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Good tips!

[@jwalach1650]

Da Bear thanks you and by the way love the chicken scene at the beginning. 5 mph sign is hilarious.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

LOL! Glad you enjoyed it

[@ghibliinu6616]

I have a Troy Bilt similar to this. Have a problem with the 9/16 nut holding wheel on to the stud at 5:22. Nut seems to have stripped the threads on the stud, will spin in both directions. How can that nut be removed? It's surrounded by the plastic wheel, would be hard to cut off, if no way to drive off??

[@wfdestiny8982]

Watched the video, was running out of daylight so I just cut the belt out and now it works like a regular push mow instead of a self propelled. Prefer that anyways tbh because when the wheels would self rotate they would always get all caught up in vines in the back of my yard and I’d have to stop mowing and remove them. Anyone that’s running out of daylight and the belt is bad just cut it out, much easier then trying to push through it!

[@williamclement827]

Jeff you're like Wilson on Home Improvement , we never get to see you ? Any way the chicken says it all , so funny !

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Thanks for watching William! I enjoyed your comment!

[@averymcdaniel423]

What size are the black top cover bolts? My bolts came off but I don't know the size and length.

[@paulm3481]

Love the slippers.What no beer.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

lol!

[@stephenhagen234]

Disconnect the spark plug wire FIRST before you do ANYTHING under the deck. Then, as a regular habit clean all the grass off the underside with a garden hose and spray nozzle as the grass holds moisture and accelerates the rusting process. My problem is a bent crankshaft and I have no idea how to remove the self-propelled pulley/blade mount from the crankshaft. I suspect that it is pressed on the shaft and is held in place by an interference fit between the shaft and the pulley/blade mount.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Safety should always come first, good tips.

[@avcat]

Just purchased this mower. Very interesting and informative but hope will never have to do this.

[@ridersontheroad2881]

This is perfect! Thank you!

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it was helpful

[@philipchandler330]

My Troy Bilt right front height adjustment lever keeps slipping not staying in the height setting. Any suggestions

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

If it is the type of mower I think it is, Troybilt sells an update kit only and it involves relacing the entire front plastic bracket that holds the wheels.

[@bigo1053]

Thanks for the help Brother! 🇺🇸👍

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

You bet! thanks for watching

[@markrobertson8816]

Took transmission apart to make sure pin wasn’t broken and replaced belt. It engages when motor not running but slips terribly when running , could the drive pulley be so worn it won’t work?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

I have seen those transmissons fail from lots of use or abuse(kids riding it). The worm gear inside gets stripped.

[@pville5548]

I had to laugh with all the back and forth of the screws holding the belt drive cover on. The chicks showed their disapproval. Smiles.

[@johnkelley892]

Worked like a charm. Great video and instructions.

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Glad it helped

[@PopovskiDarko]

Any mods / hacks to keep the belt from coming off ? I put mine back on and if after few minutes comes off ? Frustrating! Maybe I need new belt, Also what is the part number for the belt ? My mower model is Troy-Bilt 12a-a26m011

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

probably need new belt

[@PopovskiDarko]

@@JeffsLittleEngineService ok , do you know the part number? Thanks

[@ScottysVise]

Hey Jeff, do you ever run into one of these mowers where the self propel works, but the wheels lock up when you roll the mower backwards?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

yes cleaning the gears behind the wheels and lubing up bearings usually helps

[@user-si4in6vf3c]

Mine keeps coming office. I power wash the deck after each us so i know its clean. Could the belt be stretched?

[@JeffsLittleEngineService]

Yes the belts do wear out, could be the spring that supposed to keep the belt tight