How to Remove a Stuck Lawn Mower Wheel?

How to Remove a Stuck Lawn Mower Wheel

Today you are going to read the complete How to Remove a Stuck Lawn Mower Wheel? [Essential Information]. Having a riding lawnmower is one of the best things to have in your outdoor home care kit. However, it’s not the greatest feeling when one of its wheels gets stuck and you simply can’t figure out how to remove a stuck lawn mower wheel.

It can be challenging to figure out this process but that’s why you’re here. This expert guide will walk you through the simplest processes to remove your stuck lawnmower wheel.

There are several reasons a lawnmower wheel could be stuck. Figuring out this step could make the following steps a little easier. These reasons range from dirt build-up within the wheel, wheels simply locking up, a wheel axle being rusty or even just from the heat.

No worries there is no need to call a mechanic. This is incredibly common and just as common to fix. Our expert team is ready to give you all the tips and tricks to help you remove your lawnmower wheel seamlessly.

First and foremost, the most important step to start with is to ensure your safety.  Having gloves on hand is strongly recommended in conjunction with some googles.

Let’s begin!

2 Most effective Methods on How to Remove a Stuck Lawn Mower Wheel

A. The Hammer and Penetrating Oiling Method

This method works for most people 99% of the time. Let’s make it as simple as possible.

You’ll need a few things first

  • Gloves to protect your hands
  • Penetrating oil
  • A Socket wrench
  • A Hydraulic Jack
  • A Jack stand
  • A heavy duty hammer
  • Slip joint pliers
  • A few bricks or blocks of wood
  1. Firstly ensure that your lawnmower is on level ground and is completely switched off. Then identify the wheel with the issue in order to know where you would like to place your hydraulic jack to elevate the lawnmower.
  2. To elevate the lawnmower, place the hydraulic jack in the middle of your mower’s axle. Then begin to elevate the mower to a height that is comfortable to work around the wheel.
  3. After elevating the mower, place the jack stand at an appropriate place to ensure the mower is secure. You can also add a few blocks of wood or bricks behind the wheels on the ground for further security.

(Alternatively, if the riding lawnmower is on the lighter side you simply need to raise it and place blocks underneath it).

  1. Now get your slip joint pliers and try to remove the wheel cover of the axle. Ensure that you also remove the washers from the wheel. At this stage, you should have a visual of the bolts holding the wheel to the machine.
  2. At this step utilize your socket wrench and spin-off the riding lawnmower bolts. This will allow the stuck wheel to be removed a lot quicker within the process.
  3. Grab your penetrating oil and spray it generously on the outside of the wheel rim on the area you took off the bolt. This is to make the oil penetrate between the crevice of the shaft and the wheel hub. Additionally, spray the back of the wheel as well where the axle and the rim meet.
  4. Let the oil sit for 2 hours minimum. This is step will be sure to loosen up any debris or rust within the wheel and make it easier to remove.
  5. Next, grab your heavy-duty hammer and start to tap the rim of the wheel. Keep adding the penetrating oil as needed to loosen up any debris. Let the oil sit for 5-10 minutes and start to tap the rim again.
  6. You might have to repeat the tapping for about 30 minutes if the wheel does not budge the first few times it has been hit. Do not knock the wheel too aggressively in order not to damage parts of it.
  7. Continuously rotate the wheel as you knock the rim of the wheel. If you are not comfortable hitting the rim directly, use a block of wood laid flat against the back of the wheel and knock on that instead.
  8. Whether the wheel has gotten unstuck, you’re ready to take it off. If not, the following step should do the trick.
  9. This requires a little more manpower to execute. Grab the wheel and rock it from side to side until the wheel has detached. Or ask a friend to tap on the wheel rim with the hammer simultaneously and you’re sure to remove your stuck lawn mower wheel in no time.

To minimize the chances of your wheel being stuck again, simply apply an anti-seize compound on the shaft when you reinstall the wheel.

B. The Wax and Heating Method

This is arguably one of the easiest alternative methods out there. It could save you some time too because of the heating element. You simply need some light wax and a propane torch.

  • Use the propane torch to heat the shaft near the axle.
  • Then melt the wax between the axle and the wheel rim.
  • Heat up the shaft some more and let it cool down slightly.
  • Finally, try and maneuver the wheel back and forth until it comes off.

(Helpful tip: Asking a friend for a helping hand mind come in useful particularly for the last step).

Remember not to heat up the axle! Only heat the rim surrounding the axle.

Cautions:

You need to be careful while following these methods and do not do some things like I mentioned in here…

  1. Extreme Force is prohibited.
  2. Do not use the force at the back of the wheel to knock the wheel off from axle.
  3. Careful on using wrench, pliers and hammer.
  4. Use the manual from company to make easier the task.
  5. Keep your children away while working.

In conclusion

Removing a stuck lawnmower wheel is pretty straight forward if you follow these easy steps. It can be a little tricky in the beginning but you’re sure to get the hang of it. If you ever feel confused simply re-read a step again or square back to step one or use the alternative method.

Don’t forget not to use too much force on the wheel otherwise you run the risk of damaging your lawnmower.

We hope we were able to fix your problem and help you remove that stubborn lawn mower wheel.

Happy lawn mowing!

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