If you are very careful, you can try to remove the bottom cover and remove the old grease. Use a good multi-purpose grease when replacing, but there is no reason to use a lithium or high temp grease in the gearbox.
Relative has one that's not used and the self-propel bar (the black bar) has no tension. Wish it was an easy fix.
Wow is all I have to say I had a minor mishap with a worn c clip replaced with new used it today and just wow. This engine if fantastic it can run circles around my honda I do not have the mulch plug for it yet so its not great at mulching although it does a decent job if grass isn't to long.
Bagging however this is where this machine kills the honda the honda when faced with thick grass will leave a trail of clippings forcing me to go back over it. The toro doesn't leave a single clipping
Ground speed is fast... as fast as my honda maybe faster. Overall with the blade brake I believe this will be my main mower and the honda will be demoted to back up