Honda HRS2164SDA transmission removal issues

[AmishRob]

The self-propelled feature on our Honda HRS2164SDA mower recently stopped working, and I determined that we need a new transmission. I already have a new drive belt and transmission assembly, but I've hit a snag in removing the old transmission assembly: I am unable to remove the long, 10mm bolt that runs through the back of the mower deck and through a hole in the transmission assembly. I can't get a good look at this bolt, but it feels like after the bolt passes through the hole in the thick plastic of the transmission assembly that it runs through a compressed spring and then there is a nut on the bolt. I really need to remove the bolt, and I'm pretty sure the key is to get a firm purchase on that nut. Any tips on doing this? What tools are needed/work best in this tight blind spot?

Also, will I run into any other snags when I actually try to remove the transmission assembly? If you can help me overcome these issues, I'd really appreciate it.

 

[robert@honda]

The self-propelled feature on our Honda HRS2164SDA mower recently stopped working, and I determined that we need a new transmission. I already have a new drive belt and transmission assembly, but I've hit a snag in removing the old transmission assembly: I am unable to remove the long, 10mm bolt that runs through the back of the mower deck and through a hole in the transmission assembly. I can't get a good look at this bolt, but it feels like after the bolt passes through the hole in the thick plastic of the transmission assembly that it runs through a compressed spring and then there is a nut on the bolt. I really need to remove the bolt, and I'm pretty sure the key is to get a firm purchase on that nut. Any tips on doing this? What tools are needed/work best in this tight blind spot?

Also, will I run into any other snags when I actually try to remove the transmission assembly? If you can help me overcome these issues, I'd really appreciate it.

I think you may need to remove the belt cover to gain access to the nut at the end of the long 10mm bolt:

I do know the nut is a self-locking type, so you'll need a socket or such to hold it when loosening/removing the long bolt. Be aware of the two washers and spring as well.

 

[AmishRob]

Robert - Thanks so much for the tip and helpful diagrams. It's been a while since I could work on the mower, but your advice did the trick. I just needed an 10mm open-end wrench to hold that locking nut while I undid the bolt from the back of the mower deck with a ratchet. I already had everything else out of the way, so all I had to do after that was remove the larger ring clips inside the mower deck holding the height adjuster bushings to the mower. I was then able to remove the old transmission.

Unfortunately, I discovered that the left rear height adjuster bushing (farthest from the transmission mechanism) is most likely my problem. It seizes up on the transmission axle when the axle tries to rotate, even after being cleaned, greased, and putting the brand new transmission axle in it. I wish I had discovered that before spending the money on a new transmission assembly. Hopefully after I get a new bushing, it'll all move freely.

Thanks again for your helpful advice.