Walk behind HRR21 Smart Drive Problems

[Paul328]

Greetings guys!

New forum remember here. I have a Honda 21" walk behind self-propelled mower, the sticker says model number HRR2166VXC, s/n MZCG-8005608. That's the Canadian model number, but it's similar to the HRR2167VKA (and others). I bought this new in 2009 and I'm having problems with the drive wheel mechanism, specifically with the right rear wheel. Symptoms include the wheel wobbling and grinding noises when engaging the drive and mowing over bumpy areas or making turns.

I pulled the wheel and saw significant wear on the gear attached to the wheel as well as the pinion gear. I got a new wheel and pinion gear from the local parts dealer and replaced the old ones. This was fine for most of last year's mowing season, but the same problem is back. I think the problem is wear on the (fixed) axle itself. As soon as the wheel starts to wobble on the axle, the gear teeth will grind and it's downhill from there.

Short of replacing the whole rear axle shaft (don't know the part number), what can I do to repair this? Is there a way I can repair the axle? Is there some kind of sleeve I can use, or a better fitting wheel bearing? :confused3:

(Coincidentally I had the same problem with my old Toro mower - wear and tear of the wheel drive components. But the Toro used some plastic components, and the axle was wearing too. I threw a lot of parts at that Toro and finally bought the Honda when it was clear the old Toro need a new axle.)

My yard is roughly a quarter acre, some bumpy areas and some smooth, and a drainage ditch out front. No smooth golf course greens here. :tongue:

Thanks!

 

[robert@honda]

The axle alone is not available from Honda; the only way to get a new one is to buy a whole transmission (about $86 USD). I can only speak for sure of the USA model, but suspect the Canada-market version is similar if not identical sans stickers/labels.

Be sure to inspect all the other parts back there, bushing, adjusters, etc. for wear/damage. I'd pay close attention to the ratchet key that drives the pinion, as well as its spring that maintains tension. The adjusting arm has a bushing that could be also worn.

 

[Paul328]

The axle alone is not available from Honda; the only way to get a new one is to buy a whole transmission (about $86 USD). I can only speak for sure of the USA model, but suspect the Canada-market version is similar if not identical sans stickers/labels.

Be sure to inspect all the other parts back there, bushing, adjusters, etc. for wear/damage. I'd pay close attention to the ratchet key that drives the pinion, as well as its spring that maintains tension. The adjusting arm has a bushing that could be also worn.

Thanks, I'll check those components the next time I take the wheels off. I think it might help if I replace the pair of wheel bearings on each back wheel on a regular basis too.

 

[Paul328]

Here's the latest news in this saga. :wink: Further inspection seems to indicate a problem with the bearing that fits the right side axle holder of the transmission. So, two questions:

1) Can someone post instructions on how to remover the transmission?
2) From looking around the interwebs, it looks like the axle holder bearing is the same as the wheel bearing. Is this correct? If so, that will save me some effort as I have a couple of spare wheel bearings in my parts-box.

Thanks!

 

[Paul328]

This project turned out to be easier than I thought. I did not have to remove the transmission at all. Once I removed the wheel, pinion gear assembly and the wheel cover, I was able to remove the bearing from the axle holder. This bearing is identical to the rear wheel bearings. In my case the bearing was very badly worn, and it was a simple case of popping in one of my spare bearings.

I am good to go (until the next time). I'm going to keep some more spare wheel bearings on hand, as these seem to wear out easily.