How to Get a Rear Wheel off an MTD Mower

Push Mower

• 1

  Pull the spark plug wire off the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.

• 2

  Lift the rear of the mower up. Place wood blocks under the rear edge of the mower deck. Lower the mower so that deck is resting on the blocks and the rear wheels are off the ground.

• 3

  Place a wrench on the locknut inside the mower deck opposite of the wheel you wish to remove. Place another wrench on the shoulder screw at the center of the outer side of the wheel to be removed.

• 4

  Hold the wrench on the shoulder screw stationary while turning the wrench on the locknut in a counterclockwise direction. Remove the locknut from the threads of the shoulder screw.

• 5

  Pull the shoulder screw and the wheel straight out from the mower and remove them. Pull the shoulder screw straight out of the center of the wheel.

• 6

  Install the wheel in the opposite order of removal. Remove the blocks from under the deck. Replace the spark plug wire.

Riding Mower

• 7

  Chock the front wheels of the mower with wood blocks to prevent unintentional movement. Turn off the ignition key and remove it. Place a hydraulic jack under the rear axle. Raise the jack until the rear wheels are off the ground.

• 8

  Pry the plastic center cap from the wheel to be removed with a flat-blade screwdriver.

• 9

  Pull the retaining clip -- which keeps the wheel from sliding off the axle -- out of the slot at the end of the axle with a pair of pliers.

• 10

  Pull the washer off the axle. Pull the wheel straight off the axle, being careful not to lose the square key that keeps the wheel from spinning on the axle.

• 11

  Replace the wheel by pushing it onto the axle. Line up the slot in the wheel with the slot on the axle. Insert the square key into the slots. Replace the washer, retaining clip and center cap. Lower the jack and remove it from under the mower.