Hi N1KK0,
Hi All,
Pretty generic question - wondering on self propelled walk behind mowers, generally for many of them when you remove the rear wheels you'll have the 'teeth' inside the rear wheel, generally these are plastic/nylon - and then a metal pinion gear attached to the rear drive shaft. This area will be semi-sealed to try and keep debris out.
Just wondering how should one best try and lubricate this area?
Most mowers seem to have a lightish coat of a grease in there - but I've read other say that this will hold debris in there and you're better off using a silicone spray.
If grease, just a regular lithium light duty type or one thats for rubbers/plastics?
Also - semi-related question, when engaging these type drives - which usually are belt driven from the motor spindle - are you best off doing so slowly or with a sudden movement? I've heard the latter for certain mower drives, like those used in the Honda HRU's, but suspect for belt driven ones that a slower engagement until the drive engages might be more suitable?
Thanks in advance for your thoughts.
Commenting as a professionally qualified engineer here; these assemblies are designed to be self-lubricating.
That's exactly why they use the nylon/metal contacting surface combos.
Nearly all added lubes will attract and hold abrasive grit, and upscale the component wear rates.
My advice is; go with the design philosophy, and don't try to second-guess the OEM design engineers!
