Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

Impeller is moving and rubbing against the back metal housing.  The movement is coming out of the gearbox.  The shaft moves out of the gearbox which makes the impeller move against the housing which makes a lot of noise.  It’s an old 20” Craftsman model 5369181.  It looks like most of the parts have been discontinued.  I’m not even sure what part it needs.  I would guess it’s in the gearbox.  It runs and everything turns.  Any idea what is causing this and where to get parts?  I hope this is not junk now.   

corbins wrote:
well if thats the case (shaft moving in and out) your gonna need to disaemble the gear box and see exaclty whats worn out, theres usaully a snap ring and two brass bushings sandwiched between a brass drive gear and the gear box bolts together. the snap ring should hold the sahft from moving in/out horizontally.

I'll tear the gear box apart.  If it's the snap ring, I'm sure I could find that.  If it's something else, am I out of luck since Sears has discontinued parts?