I've had the same mower for over 20 years. It's a Scotts 1642. All of a sudden, when I try to go forward or backwards, there's a grinding/rattling/vibrating sound. If i move really, really slow the noise doesn't occur but if I try to go faster the noise occurs. I jacked the rear end up and had someone go through the motions. I noticed the belt/pulley/fan vibrating as though something was loose. I suspect the pulley may have broken down. Is there an easy way to check this? If I have to drop the rear end, can someone provide instructions how to do this?
Sounds like the tensioner and stationary idler along with the belt need to be changed. Remove the deck and raise the mower up to check all the drive components out.
