How to Replace the Drive Belt on Craftsman Power Propelled Lawn Mowers

Replacing your Craftsman mower's drive belt should take 10 minutes or less.

Your self-propelled Craftsman lawnmower spares you the burden of having to push the mower. But when the self-propelled mechanism is engaged and the mower doesn't pull forward, that likely means you must replace the drive belt. Over time your rubber Craftsman drive belt can become brittle and snap. Fortunately when the time comes for you to replace the belt, the task shouldn't take longer than 10 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Work gloves
• Phillips screwdriver
• 2-by-4 block of wood
• Adjustable wrench
• Craftsman replacement drive belt
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Pull the mower's spark plug wire to ensure the mower doesn't start while you're working around the blade. Put on work gloves to protect your hands from getting cut while handling the blade.

2. Use a Phillip's screwdriver to remove the screws that secure the drive cover. Detach the drive cover and set aside. Push down on the gear pulley to remove the existing drive belt.

3. Tilt the lawn mower on its side with the carburetor facing up to avoid flooding the engine and making the mower difficult to start. Wedge a 2x4 block of wood between the blade and mower deck to prevent the blade from spinning while you remove it. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the blade bolt. Remove it, the washer and blade and set aside.

4. Undo the debris shield by prying it off with your fingers. Unwrap the belt from the engine pulley and discard.

5. Wrap the replacement drive belt around the engine pulley. Reattach the debris shield. Reassemble and secure the blade, washer and blade bolt. Tighten the blade bolt with a torque wrench until the torque measures 35 to 40 lbs.

6. Tilt the mower upright. Wrap the drive belt around the gear pulley. Reinstall the drive cover, and reconnect the spark plug wire.

References

• Sears Craftsman Self-Propelled Mower Operator's Manual