Make sure you have the correct belt 954-0329A and you can't substitute for generic belts on MTD products, they just don't work for long. After that you will need to look for items that are binding, aka, shiny scraping spots. Also make sure there spring is attached to the plate in the rear to pull the deck back. may be connect to the cross rod and then goes to the rear of the mower either to the hitch frame or may be hanging on a wire attached to the axle.
