Arrgh! Riding Lawnmower Help, Please

[Wolf mom]

So simple but I just can't figure out how to get it off.

I have a very old John Deere riding lawn mower and I need to get the right front tire off to get it fixed.

I got the front jacked up, the cap off the end of the axle, and there's a round thing that looks similar to a horseshoe holding the tire on the axle. How do I get it off?

I've tried forcing it apart with a screw driver, but am afraid to put too much leverage on it and it keeps slipping. (Lots of grease). After I get the opening slot apart (if that's what I'm suppose to do), how do I get it around/off the axle?

Then comes the big one: how will I get it (the horse shoe shaped thingie) back ON around the axle after the tire is fixed an back on?

Is there anything else I need to know about changing a lawn mower tire??

Thanks in advance - I know you can help me!

[||Downhome||]

Does it look like this?

http://cometkartsales.com/images/P/eclip-02.jpg

If so its a E-clip, You dont force apart you pry up.

There is a tool, though I just use a Flat head screw driver and a hammer, to pop then off, to put back on seat in groove and put the blade on top and tap back.

[Yvonne's hubby]

It sounds to me like you are dealing with a "jesus clip".... so named because of so many folks first comment when they get it off a shaft... "jesus! where did that clip get off to!"
Those clips fit into a groove on the axle and come off perpendicular to the shaft... not over the end of the shaft. if you look closely there is a small gap between the axle and the clip on the solid side of said clip.
To remove said clip just slip your screw driver between it and the axle and then twist the screw driver and it will slip right off. I always put a shop rag over it so it doesnt fly away. Hope that helps.

[unregistered41671]

Wolf Mom, eye protection would not hurt. I have seen some take off like a rocket.

[||Downhome||]

YouTube

Skip to 5min 25 secs.

[Wolf mom]

Ah, the E-ring looks similar to the picture you posted, Downhome.

But the opening between the 2 tabs is only 1/8th of an inch wide. The ring is also completely round inside. There is NO way I can get a flat head screw driver between the ring and the axle.
Thought I could do that & pop it off.

Any other suggestions? Now that we know what I'm talking about.

[||Downhome||]

Does it look like this?

http://www.gympart.com/mmSHOP/Images/SG800-3742.jpg

[Harry Chickpea]

Duck or needle nose pliers. One leg in the clip, one against the axle. Sometimes a shim of flat metal to push the open end enough for the pliers to find a place to grip.

Often it is cheaper to buy a whole replacement wheel and tire than fuss with putting in a tube. Lowe's has replacement tires for some models.

[Wolf mom]

http://www.gympart.com/mmSHOP/Images/SG800-3742.jpg

Yes, Downhome, pretty close - about an inch in diameter.

Harry, this tire was replaced last fall, so I don't want to buy new unless I have to. Thanks for the suggestion tho. It's already off the rim.

I'll dig through my tools to try a needle nose plier.

My weedy lawn is full of Johnny Jump Ups. So pretty, but the weeds need mowing before they seed.

[po boy]

Originally Posted by Wolf mom

http://www.gympart.com/mmSHOP/Images/SG800-3742.jpg

Yes, Downhome, pretty close - about an inch in diameter.

Harry, this tire was replaced last fall, so I don't want to buy new unless I have to. Thanks for the suggestion tho. It's already off the rim.

I'll dig through my tools to try a needle nose plier.

My weedy lawn is full of Johnny Jump Ups. So pretty, but the weeds need mowing before they seed.

Use Circlip pliers to remove and reinstall that ring. I've had a pair for 35 plus years. Images

[||Downhome||]

I have clamped a nail in a pair if vise grips before and work them off from one side.
Then work in reverse.

[Ozarks Tom]

Originally Posted by po boy

Use Circlip pliers to remove and reinstall that ring. I've had a pair for 35 plus years. Images

Also known as snap ring pliers. Not expensive, but sure make life easier.

[Rustaholic]

Everyone that considers themselves to be a homesteader should have a pair of snap ring pliers. There are pliers for inner and outer snap rings. There also are pliers that are adjustable to do both and that is what you should buy.

In that video showing how to remove a rear wheel that is so cute.
I have a lawn tractor out there that I need to remove a wheel and it is frozen to the shaft.
The puller I bolted to it will not move it and my 20 pound slide hammer has no effect either.
When it warms up a bit I am going to remove the tire from the wheel right on the tractor. Then with the rubber out of the way I will put some heat to it until it moves.

[||Downhome||]

Originally Posted by Rustaholic

Everyone that considers themselves to be a homesteader should have a pair of snap ring pliers. There are pliers for inner and outer snap rings. There also are pliers that are adjustable to do both and that is what you should buy.

In that video showing how to remove a rear wheel that is so cute.
I have a lawn tractor out there that I need to remove a wheel and it is frozen to the shaft.
The puller I bolted to it will not move it and my 20 pound slide hammer has no effect either.
When it warms up a bit I am going to remove the tire from the wheel right on the tractor. Then with the rubber out of the way I will put some heat to it until it moves.

If you where Not such a stickler for rust, you would not have that problem LOL...

On our troy built pony,had to replace the rubber, could not budge them no mater what I tried.
For a month I soaked both sides with PB Blaster at least three times a day.
Took the torch to them and finally out of desperation cut them right off.
Took a pair off another different model, little bigger but fit the shaft.

[Rustaholic]

Originally Posted by ||Downhome||

If you where Not such a stickler for rust, you would not have that problem LOL...

On our troy built pony,had to replace the rubber, could not budge them no mater what I tried.
For a month I soaked both sides with PB Blaster at least three times a day.
Took the torch to them and finally out of desperation cut them right off.
Took a pair off another different model, little bigger but fit the shaft.

Really I just need to get Sears to update that tire video and use my lawn tractor. It is on the other side though so I will park it the other way.
Never fear I will convince it to leave that shaft in one piece.
I have a very nice rose bud torch.

[||Downhome||]

I don't think any one could of budged these...
I tried everything and still no luck...
Just have to know when to cut your loss, get it ...

[Wolf mom]

Thank you all! Got a snap ring pliers with different size ends and it worked perfectly!! So easy withthe right tool!