Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Weed Eater Lawn Mower Transmission Problem, proper manuals, drive lever

Question
My slf-propelled lawn mower is no longer self-propelled.  I looked at the transmission drive and can tell you the following things:

1.  The belt is on and moving.  It does not slip.  It does cause the (sorry, but I have to make up names since I am not mechanically knowledgable) spindle above the axle to move.

2.  Gears leading from the axle to the wheels are intact.  The teeth are in good shape and the wheels move when the axle rotates.

3.  There are teeth on the gear that appears to be the one that *should* be moving the axle.  It's counterpart gear -- one that appears to slide and engage the other gear when you pull the drive lever -- also has teeth and appears to engage and align properly when I manually move it.

This makes me think that either the gear that is supposed to slide and engage the gear that moves the axle is not moving OR the gear that should be gripping the axle is NOT gripping the axle.  Should one of the gears be mounted to or permanently gripping the axle?  I can provide pictures if need be.

I took apart the transmission and am finding it difficult to put back together due to fit issues.  With my limited -- oh so limited -- knowledge of lawn mowers, should I have someone repair this?  The mower is 11 yrs old.  How much would such a repair cost?

Thanks for your help!

Answer
Hello Kevin:

The Axle Gear Should be Splined or Keyed to the Axle Shaft. Do you have the Transaxle OEM and Model Numbers? Send me the Model Numbers Off the Mower, the OEM and Transaxle Numbers Off the Transaxle, Please. With these I can Locate the Proper Manuals and Better Assist you. I May be Able to Locate a Breakdown for you to View Online and we can Use the Breakdown for Reference. I Try Not to Give Labor Cost as the Labor Cost Vary from Location to Location. Hope this Helps. I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Let me Know What Happens, Please. 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 9pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John