Troy Bilt Riding Mower Pulley Diagram (2024)

FAQs

How do I know if my lawn mower pulley is bad? ›

Free Spinning Pulley – Spin the pulley with your fingers. Does it spin more than 1-2 revolutions? If it does, the cause is a lack of grease in the bearing, a sign it will fail soon. Seized Bearings – An indication that the pulley will lock up.

Bad Bearings on the Spindle or Pulley

The first potential culprit of your mower belt repeatedly breaking could be faulty bearings on your spindle or pulley. These components rotate at high speeds during operation, leading to intense heat that can potentially damage the bearings if not properly maintained.

When pulleys wear out, they often struggle to maintain tension on the belt. As a result, the belt can come loose and knock against other components, causing a slapping-like noise. In most cases, this is an indication that you will need a new pulley, and perhaps even a new belt, depending on the damage caused.

The belt tension is set with a spring and an eyebolt. Tighten or shorten the eyebolt to increase belt tension or loosen or lengthen the bolt to relieve tension. The correct tension is achieved when pressure is applied to the center of the longest run and belt is able to be pressed in about ½” from static position.

Check pulleys for wear and worn out bearings. A pulley rides on bearings that allows it to spin freely. When a pulley doesn't spin freely, friction is created between the pulley and belt, causing the belt to break.

The only reason for a serpentine belt to come off while the engine is running is because one or more of the pulleys is not aligned with the others. This causes the belt to pull away from the other pulleys and slip off the either the idler pulley or the tensioner pulley.

The easiest way to check the drive belt tension is with an adjustable wrench. Loosen the set screw and turn the wrench counter-clockwise to adjust the drive belt on a lawn mower. Use a torque wrench on more giant diameter belts.

Injury symptoms include pain, swelling, and a "popping" sound heard at the time of the injury. Pulley injuries should be evaluated by a healthcare provider as soon as possible to prevent complications. Treatment most often consists of physical therapy, but surgery may be necessary.

Poor Cutting Quality

A spindle that is damaged or worn can cause the blade to wobble, resulting in uneven cutting. If you notice that your lawn is looking shaggy or patchy, it's time to check the spindle.

Common symptoms of a malfunctioning idler pulley include corrosion on the pulley's surface, chattering and squealing noises, and slow spinning. Recommended idler pulley brands include Replacement, Gates, and Dayco.