Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): 6 speed transaxle w/ high and low not easy to push, speed transaxle, peerless transaxles

Question
QUESTION: I have a 6 speed transaxle that was working fine but I took it apart to add more grease on the inside.  After I put it back together with the grease added when I try to push my lawnmower it is very stiff.  The wheels were nearly locked up at first but it has gradually loosened up some.  It still is not as easy to push as it was before.  What could be the problem or is this normal?

ANSWER: Which transaxles do you have.  Manufacture brand?  Model number?  Is the brake too tight causing the resistance?

Eric

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QUESTION: The only identification I could find on it was "FOOTE 3261" It's not the brake because I loosed it up all the way.  With the case open I can spin both axles in the same direction fairly easily, but when I put the case together with all the bolts it is very hard. I noticed with the case just sitting put together without the bolts in when I started to spin the axles it actually lifted up the case.

ANSWER: Something is binding inside.  There are small tabs on each shaft bushing that need to be lined up with the transaxle case.  It is also possible to get the spider gears out of alingment and will cause binding...I've done this before.

The link below is for Peerless transaxles but the Foote is very similar.

http://www.smallcarplans.com/manual.pdf

I'd take the transaxle apart again and check the bushing and the transaxle assembly.  I learned to check the transaxle before installing the bolts.  Place the top cover on the assembled unit and then spin the input shaft with the transaxle in the highest gear.  The case should not move or flex when checking for correct operation.

Eric

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QUESTION: Yea, I made the mistake of putting the unit together and back on my lawnmower before checking to see if it worked.  I guess Ive got to take it apart and try to find out the problem.  Thanks for your help though :)

Ryan

Answer
Another trick I learned was not to add the grease or case sealing silicon until I'm certain all is working.  Make sure the transaxle casings fit together flat when you re-assemble.  If you thing the casings could be bent you can carefully remove all the internal parts and then assemble the case halves to be sure they are not bent or warped.

Eric