How To Inspect Lawn Mower Deck Belts and Bearings

How to Inspect Lawn Mower Deck Belts and Bearings

A key part of your lawn mower maintenance schedule is knowing how to inspect lawn mower deck belts and bearings. Keeping these items in good working condition will ensure your lawn mower is performing efficiently and to keep it well tuned up.

Before starting to inspect lawn mower deck belts and bearings, you'll want to familiarize yourself with your owner's manual and pay special attention to the manufacturer's recommendations in this regard.

Always use gloves and safety glasses when doing any kind of repair or maintenance on your lawn mower. Then, remove the spark plug, so that your engine doesn't start accidentally. Being safety conscious will prevent injury and damage to people and machines. When you turn your lawn mower over, always make sure the side that has the air filter is pointing up. This will prevent your lawn mower's oil from leaking into the air filter. Never turn your lawn mower over more than 90¡.

Next, you should give your lawn mower a good wash. Using soap and water, and possibly a pressure washer that uses less than 1000 PSI, will help clean away dirt. Make sure that you wash the dirt and water away from, and not into, your lawn mower's bearings. You want to ensure your lawn mower's bearings do not become worn and are properly lubricated. Keeping the underside of your lawn mower clean and free of debris will help prevent rust, and prevent fire hazards, which can occur when grass leaves, and grease combine in a hot engine.

Any lawn mower deck belts and bearings that appear worn down or damaged must be replaced. Look for any cracks or separations in the belts, and if you do spot any, the belt will need to be replaced. A general rule of thumb is to replace deck belts that are more than four years old. That way your lawn mower's belts will not break down on you in the middle of your grass cutting. You want to ensure the drive belts are tight. If you tighten them, and they still have too much give, the belts are likely wearing out.

It is always a good idea to clean the underside of your lawn mower with water after each time you use it. Then apply WD-40, or other lubrication, to the moving parts, to allow them to work efficiently.

Keeping your lawn mower's deck belts and bearings clean, and in good working order will prevent noise and vibration problems and allow your lawn mower to do its job properly. Remember to consult your owner's manual for the specific processes on changing lawn mower deck belts and bearings.

Now that you know how to inspect lawn mower deck belts and bearings yourself, you can save money and time in taking your lawn mower into a repair shop. Staying on top of a regular tune up schedule will prolong the life of your lawn mower and save you money down the road.

About the Author
Blake Bahrns is a lawn mower parts and small engine parts expert with over 20 years of experience working on lawn and garden equipment. For additional lawn mower tips, lawn care tips, and more free lawn mower articles visit http://www.lawneq.com/.