Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Peerless Tecumseh 205-205-023B70080019, peerless transaxles, wheel axles

Question
Hi John,
I've taken on a help your neighbor project "fixing his Yard King 20HP-50" mower that does not drive when its running.

I recently dissembled the  peerless tyranny #205-205-023B70080019 and everything inside looked ok except all of the main shaft cap head bolts (5/16") were sheared off(3 of the 4) so I assumed that was the problem and replaced them and evenly torqued them,(not knowing what in the world could bust head bolts like that off) anyway, after gasket sealing the case halves I made sure all of the differential & drive shafts,gears were free flowing,& lubed..... the moment I closed the cover and started to tighten the cover down the wheel axles would not move.... like they are binding the moment you tighten the covers. I re-examined the halves again(took it apart) and everything seemed to be moving and in its place???? So I reassembled it again & now the case covers are sealed and tightened down...Q.am I ok with trying itlike it is? Is this normal for the axles to bind up?(the wheels do not move while up on a jack?) Something dose not seem right...please help John

Thank you Mike

Answer
Hello Mike:

Sorry for the Delay. I Awoke Saturday Morning with the Stomach Flu and am Just Now able to Sit Up without a Problem. You have Something Binding Inside the Transaxle and Whatever is Binding is what Sheared the Shaft Cap Bolts. You will Need to Reopen the Case and Carefully Inspect All the Components. Any Number of Components can Cause this Problem. There is No Online Breakdown for this Transaxle, so I Suggest you Purchase the Service Manual for this Transaxle. The Service Manual Covers Most of the Peerless Transaxles. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. Have a Happy Holiday Season and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Be Safe and Happy. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Comments and Ratings are Greatly Appreciated. Thanks.

Respectfully

John