Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Drive belt L120 JD riding Lawn mower, clutch pedal, many other items

Question
Trying to change the drive belt on my mower.The mower was purchased new, in 2003. It appears that a lot of additional parts will need to be removed in order to change the belt. The steering shaft appears to be the worst part. Is there a way to easily change the belt without removing so many other items, and if not, how does one remove the steering shaft (lower portion) in order to get the belt in place. The nut securing the steering shaft gear is very tight. Having trouble breaking it loose, would it have reverse threads or some other unknown particularly not known to me. Any help would be most welcomed.

Answer
Hello Patrick:

Whoa! Stop Working on the Steering Rod Nut. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Engine and Mower at this Site Addy, http://jdpc.deere.com/jdpc/servlet/com.deere.u90490.partscatalog.view.servlets.H... and Enter the Model Numbers (L120) and Click Find. Then Select your Model from the Search Results Area. Then Select the Sectional File. Then Select the Section of the Mower you Wish to View Online. Select the Power Train File and Then Select the Drive Belt and Idler Sub file. The Only Component that has to be Removed is the PTO Clutch. Remove the Mower Deck from Under the Mower. Remove the Engines Spark Plug/s and Purchase a Bolt that is 3 to 4 Inches Long, that has the Same Threads and Diameter as the Spark Plug. Carefully Insert the Bolt into a Spark Plug Hole Until it Touches the Piston. If the Bolt Does Not Touch the Piston, then Turn the Engine in the Same Direction that you are Going to be Turning the PTO/Crankshaft Bolt. Now you can Remove the Bolt without haveing the Engine Turnning During this Process. Slide the PTO Clutch Down and Off the Crankshaft. *Usually the Clutch Pedal Needs to be Locked in the Released Position for Replacing the Drive Belt. 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. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. 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. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

Hello Again Patrick:

I Apologize for the Misunderstanding. I Broke my Own Rule for Answering Questions here. I am Supposed to Look at the Breakdown of the Equipment before I Answer a Question Like yours. I was Working on a JD Mower for a Neighbor (not for the Shop) and Didn't Look Up your Model. After Looking at your Comments and then Looking at the Breakdown for your Model I Discovered the Mistake. I am Glad you were Able to Get it Fixed. Thanks for Using All Experts. Till Next Time. May All Your Mechanical Problems be SMALL ONES and May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks Again.

Best Wishes and Good Luck

Respectfully

John