Toro 20374 self propelled-left rear drive wheel grinding.

[trooper1954]

i've spent pretty much the whole day trying to get the nut end of the HOC for the new bearing undone.......penetrating oil, heat.......not moving.
The new HOC with bearing threads through the mower deck and height adjustment plate......but as you see in the photo, has very little meat to get some torque on a 1 1/16th wrench.....any suggestions??

 

[trooper1954]

i've spent pretty much the whole day trying to get the nut end of the HOC for the new bearing undone.......penetrating oil, heat.......not moving.
The new HOC with bearing threads through the mower deck and height adjustment plate......but as you see in the photo, has very little meat to get some torque on a 1 1/16th wrench.....any suggestions??

Finally decided to strip the mower down...removed the HOC plate and dropped the axle down.....then pulled the axle through and was able to lay the HOc adjustment plate in the vice and get an 1 1/4" socket and breaker bar on the nut...finally came loose.
Bearing replaced, and lesson learnt!!! ....bet the other side will need doing in a month!!!:-(
Moral of the story as someone mentioned.....if you're going to the trouble of doing a bearing, do both sides....well worth the time and less trouble down the road!!

 

[trooper1954]

SO............used mower today, and the grinding noise is still there on the left rear drive wheel only.
This is despite a new bearing, and the gears inside the wheel looking in really good shape.
I'm at a loss to determine what else could be wrong....it seems to be making the plastic gear cover vibrate but when disassembled there's no evidence that the cog is touching the casing.....anyone?? (Before it goes to the dump!!!)