Removing 190C Traction Drive Belt and Hit a Snag...Need Advice

[Vic_N]

I was really rolling on removing the drive belt...

- removed deck
- pulled steering gear
- dropped clutch and pulley assembly
- removed belt from steering shaft, v-idler, flat idler
- removed transaxle belt guide

I thought I'd just pull the end of the belt over the fan and I'd be done. I was wrong. I can feel a bracket behind the fan holding the belt on the transaxle pulley!

Can someone tell me how to remove that darned bracket? Thanks!

 

[beenthere]

Don't see the bracket you refer to, when viewing jdparts.
Does it show in this attachment?

 

[Vic_N]

No. I have the 100 Series technical manual and it is not shown in the procedure to remove the belt either; I was surprised. I did spot the part in one of the technical manual's charts of the transaxle components. The bracket connects to the gas tank bracket.

I'm hoping someone will tell me to just pull off a wheel to access this thing. But I think I need to take off the seat, fenderdeck and gas tank. No wonder folks like to have the dealer do this. Heck, I'll get it, just'll take more time.

I'll still hope for someone with a shortcut though.

Thanks for your interest.

 

[beenthere]

I think you will enjoy putting on the belt more by taking the seat and fenderdeck off.
Will also then get a chance to clean all the dust and debris out at the same time. Usually just a few bolts holding those parts on, so not a big deal.

 

[Eric Barney]

When I replaced the power drive belt on my LX188, I had to remove the seat/body assembly to remove these wire guides that bolt through the frame. The belt never contacts them while the tractor is in use. They seem to keep the belt from falling off the pulleys when the tractor is not in use, or being transported.

Another suggestion: Check those idler pulleys!! Mine seemed fine. They spun freely, seemed smooth. After the new belt was installed, an audible 'shish' noise when the park brake was released developed. I traced the noise to the tensioner pulley. I replaced both idlers, now it is silent.

 

[Vic_N]

Beenthere: You're probably correct. I'll get it done.

Eric Barney: I was able to get that wire bracket off, although it was difficult. It's that darn bracket behind the pulley under the fan I cannot see and cannot get a wrench on. Thanks for the suggestion about the idler pulleys. I'll check them.

Have a good day guys!

 

[Eric Barney]

The bolts are possibly accessible with the rear body off, and the fuel tank moved out of the way. The LX188 has another heavy wire guide mounted on the trans. It prevents the belt from being removed, until it is removed. With the tank out of the way, a socket with an extension gets the nuts that hold the wire bracket.

I did have to clean out quite a bit of grass to find the nuts. Before changing that belt, I had no idea that it was so dirty in that area. Have been keeping it much cleaner ever since...