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

I was getting my machine ready for the winter today and did something I may regret.
Wanted to get to the grease fitting on the right side and decided to take off the right wheel. Well the wheel came off very easy (clips) but I noticed when the wheel came off a sleeve that fits over the axel also came off and the keyway too. I couldn't get it back in without taking off the bottom pan. I actually had to take off the left wheel too and re-assemble everything making sure all the parts lined up. So I get everything together and put the cover back on and it works great. When I started it and put it in forward I saw about 1/8 in play between wheel to wheel. Is 1/8th about normal?

Thanks
Steve

I think it will be best to check with Ariens.  The tech book does not say anything about this play

1/8" total clearance across the axle? That would be pretty normal. You made sure no washers fell off, and the wheel keys were re-installed? A quick check of the parts manual will tell you the proper stack-up of parts and hardware. The "sleeve" axle looks to be seized to the wheel. I would suggest separating these and coating the inside of the wheel hub and the outside of the axle with an anti-seize. If you let this go too long you may need a press and a torch to get them separated.

Snowmann wrote:

Thanks, yes I am sure all the parts are back in the correct order. I fired it up and took a run around the back yard and all is well. Would you happen to know where I can get a manual for this? I find that the manual that comes with it is not detailed. Thanks for the help Steve

Try this link http://apache.ariens.com/cgibin/ctrg0005?SESSIONID=0.8213132047263072&Site=ARIENSS