Common Lawn Mower Pulley Problems and Fixes
Below are some common pulley problems you may encounter, the possible causes of those problems, and our recommendations on how to fix the problems.
Pulley Problem – Frozen or sluggish pulley
| Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Defective bearing | Replace with new bearing. |
| Bent shaft | Remove pulley and replace shaft. Inspect for damage to bearings and replace as necessary. |
Pulley Problem – Excessive noise
| Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Belt slipping on pulley face | Adjust tension at take-up device. |
| Loose mounting | Tighten mounting. Check level and alignment of pulley shaft or belt will not track properly. |
| Bearing not adequately lubricated |
If bearing is excessively worn, replace with new bearing. Check fit of inner race to ensure against bearing distortion. Check level and alignment at pulley shaft. Check shaft for straightness. |
| Bent shaft from pulley | Remove pulley to replace shaft. Inspect bearings for damage and replace as necessary. |
| Loose bearing mount | Tighten bearing lock mounting bolts. Check level and alignment of pulley shaft. |
Pulley Problem – Excessive wear to belt or pulley face
| Possible Cause | Recommended Solution |
|---|---|
| Belt tension too low. Belt slips on pulley causing wear | Adjust take-up tension until slippage ceases. |
| Gritty material ground between belt and pulley | Clean pulley face and pulley side of belt by brushing and wiping. Guard against spillage between belt and pulley. |
| Splicing fasteners protruding | Tighten or replace fasteners as necessary. |
| Oil or grease on lagging | Remove oil or grease. If lagging has deteriorated, replace pulley. |
If you are still having problems with your pulley, you may want to consider replacing your pulley.
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About the Author
Turner Anderson is the Internet Marketing Manager at Jack's and the editor of Jack's DIY Center. You'll also find him creating How-To articles, videos, newsletters, and much more.
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