Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Peerless 206-545C transaxle

Question
Hello,
    I just saved a 2004 Craftsman LT2000 from the scrapyard. Previous owner never maintained it ever. Deck was totally destroyed, bought a new one. Then I found fishing line wrapped around left axle and it took out the seal. Now for the question, can I replace the axle seals in this Peerless 206-545C without breaking the case in half. I've been a mechanic for over 50 years and know quite a bit, but not sure on this particular transaxle. Please help and Thanks in advance

Answer
No, you can not replace the seal without taking the transaxle apart.  There are grooves in each case housing where the seal needs to sit.  The groove is actually much wider than the seal itself but the seal needs to sit inside the groove, inside each half of the case.

The cases should be siliconed together so but you could probably get by by gently lifting each end to install the seal.

You can find the service manual by Googling "peerless motion drive".  It will tell you the grease you need as well as how to assemble the transaxle.  Pay attention to the DETENT ball and spring as well as the installation of the bushings...they have tabs on them that need to sit in the casing.

http://www.wfmfiles.com/download/Tecumseh-Peerless_Motion_Drive_System_-_Transmi(691218).pdf

Eric