Honda HRX2173HYA Left Rear Wheel Locks When Turning Left or Backing Up

[sonicroush]

Hello,
My Honda has developed an issue causing the left wheel to lock when I try to back up or turn left. Basically, if the left wheel's direction of travel is reversed in any way, it locks up. This occurs when the mower is on or off. With the mower off, I hear a clicking noise that comes from the left wheel, like gear teeth engaging when I hear a click and try to reverse, there is no play. To me, it seems that the clicking noise may have something to do with gears in the wheel that are not spaced or working right. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

John

 

[exotion]

Hello,
My Honda has developed an issue causing the left wheel to lock when I try to back up or turn left. Basically, if the left wheel's direction of travel is reversed in any way, it locks up. This occurs when the mower is on or off. With the mower off, I hear a clicking noise that comes from the left wheel, like gear teeth engaging when I hear a click and try to reverse, there is no play. To me, it seems that the clicking noise may have something to do with gears in the wheel that are not spaced or working right. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

John

Have you taken the wheel off and inspected for obvious things

 

[sonicroush]

Have you taken the wheel off and inspected for obvious things

I have. I pulled the wheel off and the gear in the wheel as well as the smaller gear coming from the transmission look fine. I am not sure what to look for next.

 

[exotion]

I have. I pulled the wheel off and the gear in the wheel as well as the smaller gear coming from the transmission look fine. I am not sure what to look for next.

We can start simple. Spray grease around in there on the small gear and under the small gear. And up close to the height selector make sure everything is lubed up.

 

[sonicroush]

We can start simple. Spray grease around in there on the small gear and under the small gear. And up close to the height selector make sure everything is lubed up.

I sprayed grease on everything and still have the same issue.

 

[robert@honda]

I sprayed grease on everything and still have the same issue.

Share the serial number off the back of the mower deck with me, and I can see if there is any factory warranty remaining. If so, you may wish to have a Honda dealer inspect and evaluate the mower; any factory defects are usually covered under warranty. If not, they can still provide repairs and genuine Honda parts to make it right.

If you'd prefer to DIY, a shop manual is the first tool you should get; Honda sell them on eBay and Amazon.

Honda Shop Manuals on eBay
Honda Shop Manuals on Amazon

Here's the page for the rear axle to get you started; basically, you want to disassemble, clean, inspect, and lubricate were indicated with just a small bit of general-purpose grease. Pay close attention to the orientation of the wheel washer and pinion gear(s), as they must go on correctly to work. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

 

[sonicroush]

Share the serial number off the back of the mower deck with me, and I can see if there is any factory warranty remaining. If so, you may wish to have a Honda dealer inspect and evaluate the mower; any factory defects are usually covered under warranty. If not, they can still provide repairs and genuine Honda parts to make it right.

If you'd prefer to DIY, a shop manual is the first tool you should get; Honda sell them on eBay and Amazon.

Honda Shop Manuals on eBay
Honda Shop Manuals on Amazon

Here's the page for the rear axle to get you started; basically, you want to disassemble, clean, inspect, and lubricate were indicated with just a small bit of general-purpose grease. Pay close attention to the orientation of the wheel washer and pinion gear(s), as they must go on correctly to work. Replace any worn or damaged parts.

Thank you for the information. As for the serial number, it is MAGA-2030557.
I also need to update the issue. The mower's left wheel does NOT lock up as long as both wheels are going backward. As long as I am pushing the mower straight forward, turning right or backing up the mower is fine. It is only when the right wheel is not moving and the left rear wheel is forced to travel in reverse does it lock up. So, If I am pushing the mower straight and try to make a left turn...LOCKUP. It is almost as though the transmission may be messed up. I had it in the air and I noticed that when I turn a wheel in one direction, the other goes in the opposite direction. So, I am thinking that some gears in the transmission may be messed up and not allowing the left rear wheel to turn in reverse like it should.

 

[robert@honda]

Thank you for the information. As for the serial number, it is MAGA-2030557.

That unit was wholesaled by Honda back on 4/10/12, but was never registered by the original retail buyer.

If you are the original buyer, you can still register the mower and have the 5-year warranty clock start on the date you can provide proof-of purchase. If you don't have proof-of-purchase, the 5-year warranty clock would start on 4/10/12. Either way, and even if you are not the original owner, the mower is still under factory warranty. So, I'd suggest you take it to a servicing Honda dealer and have it inspected and evaluated. If there are factory defects found, cost to repair them are usually covered under warranty. Be sure you communicate with the Honda dealer what is or isn't going to be paid for before the work is authorized.

Use this link and enter your ZIP code to find a dealer in your area:

Find A Honda Dealer

I understand it may not always be easy to get the mower to a dealer, but to obtain warranty service, it's the only choice. You can try and DIY repairs, but you'd still need to have contact with a dealer to get any parts needed, and that can get costly. For example, a replacement transmission is $139.73. On the other hand, it could be a simple cable adjustment or debris interfering with the controls/linkage. I'd suspect something in the left side axle gear, bushing, etc. is the problem, but that's just a guess.

 

[sonicroush]

That unit was wholesaled by Honda back on 4/10/12, but was never registered by the original retail buyer.

If you are the original buyer, you can still register the mower and have the 5-year warranty clock start on the date you can provide proof-of purchase. If you don't have proof-of-purchase, the 5-year warranty clock would start on 4/10/12. Either way, and even if you are not the original owner, the mower is still under factory warranty. So, I'd suggest you take it to a servicing Honda dealer and have it inspected and evaluated. If there are factory defects found, cost to repair them are usually covered under warranty. Be sure you communicate with the Honda dealer what is or isn't going to be paid for before the work is authorized.

Use this link and enter your ZIP code to find a dealer in your area:

Find A Honda Dealer

I understand it may not always be easy to get the mower to a dealer, but to obtain warranty service, it's the only choice. You can try and DIY repairs, but you'd still need to have contact with a dealer to get any parts needed, and that can get costly. For example, a replacement transmission is $139.73. On the other hand, it could be a simple cable adjustment or debris interfering with the controls/linkage. I'd suspect something in the left side axle gear, bushing, etc. is the problem, but that's just a guess.

Thank you for the information. I am the second owner and I do not have any paperwork. I will use the link and find the nearest Honda dealer and hope for the best. Thanks!

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Thank you for the information. I am the second owner and I do not have any paperwork. I will use the link and find the nearest Honda dealer and hope for the best. Thanks!

Please let us know the outcome! :biggrin: