How to Replace a Drive Belt on a Craftsman Mower

Replace your Craftsman mower's drive belt in less than 15 minutes

If you're mowing and notice that the swathes of grass you've just been over look uncut, your Craftsman mower's drive belt may have failed. Over time, the rubber Craftsman belt can fray and break. If this happens, the motor blade will not be turning even though the engine is humming along as if nothing is wrong. With the proper tools and a little know-how, a drive belt replacement on your Craftsman mower should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• Phillips screwdriver
• Work gloves
• 2 x 4 block of wood
• Adjustable wrench
• Replacement Craftsman drive belt
• Torque wrench

Instructions

1. Pull the spark plug wire so that the mower will not accidentally start while you are servicing it. Use a Phillips screwdriver to unscrew the bolts holding the drive cover in place. Apply pressure to the gear case pulley, and remove the drive belt.

2. Tilt the mower on its side, with the carburetor facing up to avoid flooding the engine. Put on work gloves to protect your hands from being cut while handling the blade. Wedge a 2 x 4 between the blade and the mower deck to prevent the blade from rotating while you remove it.

3. Use an adjustable wrench to unscrew the blade bolt. Remove the blade, debris shield and wood block. Roll the drive belt off the groove of the engine pulley, which is located on the crankshaft. Replace the old belt by installing the new belt on the engine pulley. Reattach the debris shield and the mower blade.

4. Put the wood block against the blade and the mower deck, and use a torque wrench to tighten the blade bolt to a torque of 35 to 40 ft-lb. Remove the wood block, and tilt the mower upright.

5. Reattach the drive cover and the spark plug wire.

Tips & Warnings

• Craftsman recommends that you check the condition of the drive belt after every 25 hours of use or at the close of the mowing season.

References

• Manage My Home: Craftsman Rotary Lawn Mower Owner's Manual