Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Craftmen Lt1000, shaft bearings, transmission pulley

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Craftsman Lt1000 Model#917.271634 Ser. #080701A017389 riding mower. When I put it in gear it will move but has a loud vibration to it. What should I look for?

ANSWER: Are the engine mounts and main crankshaft stack pulley bolts tight?  Is the brake on the transmission binding or sticking?  Are the transmission bolts tight?

How old is the mower?  Do you have all gears including reverse?  Is the belt so wore it is causing the vibration?  Is the idler arm and idler pulley wore, maybe the idler pulley bearing?

First step is to isolate the problem to outside the transmission.  Checking the above parts should cover most of the external transmission parts.  If the trasmission still shifts and you have all gears then the transmission interals are probably alright.  You should check the main transmission pulley input shaft for play.  With the clutch pushed in use your hand to wiggle the drive pulley back and fourth to check for excess play in the input shaft bearings.

Let me know what you find.
Eric

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I am thinking that it is something to do with the drive pulley, I got off the mower and looked at the drive pulley and it had a wobble to it, I have all the gears. How hard is it to change the shaft bearings?

Answer
I couldn't find a Dana service manual on-line but the Peerless 800 series transaxles are very similar.  The link below will provide some knowledge.

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

The most difficult part, usually, is remove the main drive pulley on the transmission.  Pulleys always seem to rust and seize to the input shaft.  There is normally a case scwew located under the pulley that you have to remove to split the cases.  I have been able to remove the screw without removing the pulley but it takes some time.

Removing all the old grease and cleaning the parts is the next difficult step.  All the parts need to be super clean so you can inspect for wear.

Overall the job will require a weekend to complete using hand tools.  With a parts wahser and a very high pressure power washer you can cut the time to about 4 hours if the drive pulley comes off easily.  However, I have rebuilt many transaxles in a basic garage using a large pan to clean the parts...messy but gets the job done.

How old is the mower?  I'd like to know before recommending you rebuild the transmission.

Eric