Troy Bilt Intek self propel won't turn left

[strikingtwice]

Hi guys, first posting.

I have an Intek 6.5 B&S troy bilt mower, quite a few years old. Works faithfully, but recently i've had a weird problem that I have not been able to hash out. I'm semi familiar with small engines, but I'm not a dunce, so feel free to throw anything at me, I'm not afraid to try.

So I can't turn left. Like Zoolander, if you've ever seen that movie. If I turn the mower to the left, the left wheel locks and the right one will turn. If I turn right, both wheels will turn (though sluggishly). On self drive, both wheels are turning, but not pleasantly. When not using self drive, it's been a bear to push.

Today, I disassembled a few things. First off, the wheels' teeth are fine on both. The cog seems to be fine on both sides. When the mower was off, I tried turning both of these (i don't know if they're supposed to turn smoothly or not), but the left one really seemed to be brutal. The belt looks like it's in okay condition. I have not disassembled the piece where the axle goes through, I'm not quite sure what I'm looking for in there. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open. It appears to be clean so I don't think that's it. Thank you in advance.

Sorry if the pics aren't scaled well, i tried a new image uploader.

 

[Rivets]

They both should turn freely. Disassemble, clean, lube and reassemble. This should solve the problem. If you post you model number of the unit I will try to find a parts breakdown for you.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

My tires used to squeak really bad and all I had to do was put 3-in-1 oil in the right axle bushing.

 

[strikingtwice]

Hey thanks for the replies everyone.

Rivets, should they both turn freely both directions? also, 12A909J063/700 is the model number. I'll look to see if i can find anything, but if you know of a better resource or service manuals or something, that'd be sweet.

mowerfanatic, thanks I'm going to try to pick up some 3 in 1. Did you have to disassemble anything or did hitting it with the 3 in 1 do the trick for you without disassembly?

 

[Rivets]

How does the right side turn, they should be the same. Just take apart, clean, lube and reassemble. Just watch which way you take the gears off, they can be put on backwards. Not a hard job, just take your time.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Hey thanks for the replies everyone.

Rivets, should they both turn freely both directions? also, 12A909J063/700 is the model number. I'll look to see if i can find anything, but if you know of a better resource or service manuals or something, that'd be sweet.

mowerfanatic, thanks I'm going to try to pick up some 3 in 1. Did you have to disassemble anything or did hitting it with the 3 in 1 do the trick for you without disassembly?

I did NOT have to disassemble.

 

[strikingtwice]

Guys, thank you very much for your help. I ended up not having to disassemble the entire propeller, I just hit the bushings and pinions really hard with some three in one. I rotated the crap out of them, and make sure they started working. Seems to be going fine for now. I can probably stave off the pinion service until next season.

 

[lawn mower fanatic]

Guys, thank you very much for your help. I ended up not having to disassemble the entire propeller, I just hit the bushings and pinions really hard with some three in one. I rotated the crap out of them, and make sure they started working. Seems to be going fine for now. I can probably stave off the pinion service until next season.

Wow! What I suggested actually helped!! I just said that because I had a problem somewhat similar to yours, I didn't think it would be the solution to your problem!! But I'm glad you fixed it!!:thumbsup: