LTX1045 Axle/Steering Issue & Deck Issue

[grhopper]

I'm having 2 issues with my 2009 LTX. The first is it seems like the left front axle is seized up. It doesn't turn at all with the steering wheel. I took the wheel and steering block off and am able to get it to move a little using a rubber mallet. Is there an easy way to remove the axle assembly? I'd like to see if there's some rust or anything that is causing it.

Second issue with with the mower deck/blades. When the deck is all the way up I am able to engage the blades. When I lower it past 6 the blades stop spinning. I'm guessing something is bent to keep the blades from fully engaging, but I'm not sure what part to check. Any help would be appreciated.

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by grhopper

I'm having 2 issues with my 2009 LTX. The first is it seems like the left front axle is seized up. It doesn't turn at all with the steering wheel. I took the wheel and steering block off and am able to get it to move a little using a rubber mallet. Is there an easy way to remove the axle assembly? I'd like to see if there's some rust or anything that is causing it.

Second issue with with the mower deck/blades. When the deck is all the way up I am able to engage the blades. When I lower it past 6 the blades stop spinning. I'm guessing something is bent to keep the blades from fully engaging, but I'm not sure what part to check. Any help would be appreciated.

Hello and welcome.

I think you mean the steering knuckle is not rotating? Is there a grease fitting on the top of it? More than likely it has frozen from lack of grease and presence of rust.

As far as the deck not staying engaged I would suspect a worn belt, or improper adjustment and possibly both.

[grhopper]

Originally Posted by cooperino

Hello and welcome.

I think you mean the steering knuckle is not rotating? Is there a grease fitting on the top of it? More than likely it has frozen from lack of grease and presence of rust.

As far as the deck not staying engaged I would suspect a worn belt, or improper adjustment and possibly both.

Looking at the part diagram, it's part #638-04028-0637 LH Axle Assembly. It fits into the Axle, Pivot Bar, Cast.

I originally thought it was a belt problem, so I replaced the belt and still have the same issue. What part would I need to look at for the improper adjustment?

[cooperino]

So did you find the grease fittings "one on each side" to grease them?

On the deck there should be a spring operated tension-er pulley. Does it move freely and have good tension. What brand and size belt did you use?

[grhopper]

Yes, I found the grease fittings. I had to go to HF to get a grease gun. I used their Sta-Lube® Sta-Plex® Extreme Pressure Premium Red Grease on both sides. Will this free it up, I will I still have to do something else to get it loose?

For the belt I purchased a D&D PowerDrive MTD Or Cub Cadet 754-04219 Kevlar Replacement Belt, Torque, 1 Band, Teeth, Kevlar from Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[cooperino]

Originally Posted by grhopper

Yes, I found the grease fittings. I had to go to HF to get a grease gun. I used their Sta-Lube® Sta-Plex® Extreme Pressure Premium Red Grease on both sides. Will this free it up, I will I still have to do something else to get it loose?

For the belt I purchased a D&D PowerDrive MTD Or Cub Cadet 754-04219 Kevlar Replacement Belt, Torque, 1 Band, Teeth, Kevlar from Amazon. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Depending on how badly it was stuck grease could help. Taking it apart and cleaning it up then greasing would probably be the best way to go.

I dont know what size deck you have. For arguments sake lets assume you have the correct belt. If the new belt is doing the same thing the old one did then I would think you have an issue with a pulley or the tensioner. Since you now own a grease gun, you should pull the deck, give it a good cleaning and greasing, and look for issues with the tensioner.