How to Install a Lawn Mower's Rear Wheel

Clean the wheel axle with an emory cloth. This removes the surface rust that sometimes makes it difficult to install the rear wheel. Look for any burrs on the end of the axle and file them off with a fine metal file. Only file enough to remove the burrs.

Slide a flat washer over the axle. Slide the spacer over the axle against the flat washer. The space is a short cylinder that fits over the axle. Place another flat washer over the axle and against the spacer. The spacer with the washer should be behind the end of the keyway slot on the axle.

Push the square key into the keyway on the axle. It might be necessary to tap the square key into the keyway with a plastic mallet. Do not use a hammer to tap the square key as the hammer can cause burrs on the corners of the key. The key should be firmly in the keyway with half the width protruding above the axle surface.

Position the rear wheel so the key slot on the inside of the rim lines up with the square key on the axle. Push the rim over the axle and square key. If necessary, tap the rim with a rubber mallet until the rear wheel is firmly in place on the axle.

Slide a flat washer over the end of the axle and against the rear wheel rim. Push the C-clip washer over the slot on the end of the axle. Tap the plastic cap over the axle with the rubber mallet.