Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Peerless Transaxle, craftsman lawn tractor, peerless transaxle

Question
I have a peerless transaxle (MST-206-545c) that I took off my Craftsman lawn tractor because I think it needs shift keys as it is hard to shift and I can't get some gears. I took all the housing bolts off but the cover still wont release after gentle prying. Can you advise anything? Also, can you tell me the capacity for the 80w90 gear lube? Thank you. Bruce

Answer
It isn't 80/90 gear lube.  It is Betonite grease Perless makes and you use a can full.

Wash the transaxle and look for a bolt in the middle. It will be snug but should pop. If memory serves me there are part points on the edge of the transxle. Tap screwdriver in and twist the screwdriver. When you clean out the grease use rubber gloves that stuff will be on your hands for a year.  Get all of it out.  If one small piece of debris is left it will destroy the transmission sooner or later.  The usual problem is shift keys.  They wear because of shift on the go.