Newbie

[Scottlarson737]

Hey all,
I purchased two lawn mowers this spring (just barely). One was a JD F510, the other was a JD F525. The F510 is running great, while the F525 has some axles that are completely locked up. I have every intention of trying to fix the 525 myself . . . just running through some diagnostics right now. So far here is what I've found:
1.) Oil level is fine and oil is like brand new.
2.) lawn mowers came from a tractor buff . . . they were taken care of.
3.) When jacked up, I can turn one wheel and the other goes in the opposite direction. Also, when I activate the hydro, forwards and reverse, no power to the wheels.
4.) Freewheeling "mode" by pressing the freewheel button is ineffective. Axle stays locked up.
5.) Brake is positively disengaged . . . I removed the linkage and moved the actuator with my hand.
6.) Hydro linkage is also disconnected and I am going in reverse and forward with my hand.

Next step is to drain the oil and split the engine from the tranny. I've heard that there can be a problem with the transmission output shaft bearing. Any insights or comments are welcomed.


Scott

 

[okiepc]

:welcome: to the forum, someone with the knowledge to help will be by soon. :thumbsup:

 

[wjjones]

Welcome to the Forum!..Scott.. (When jacked up, I can turn one wheel and the other goes in the opposite direction) This is normal.

 

[Scottlarson737]

jones, yes, that was my point. I figured the question would be asked. It was a pre-emptive strike

 

[Scottlarson737]

Ok, so I repaired the F525 this weekend. Here is what I found - after I pulled the engine and tranny out, split the trans axle by the band brake, a bunch of ball bearings came rolling out . . . Not good. After complete disassembly, I found that the bearing that encapsulates the spline shaft (the shaft for the pump) had shredded itself.

I took a trip down to the JD dealer thinking I'd have to wait a week for the part, and spend mega bucks. In the end it was $38 and I picked it up on the next day. Got home, bolted it all back together (with plenty of white lithium grease on the needle bearings), and I can now move around just fine. Freewheeling now works too. I think I saved about $600 or so doing it myself . . . Not bad for 1.5 days of work.

Conclusion: if your wheels are locked up and freewheel won't work, it IS repairable. If you damage the spline shaft, it's about a $700 bill, so hopefully your ball bearings play nice in there.

Scott