Lawn mower tires take a brutal beating over the lifetime of the machine. Eventually the wheels will need to be replaced, if the rest of the mower lasts that long. Whether you have a riding mower, a gas push-mower, an electric model, or a human-powered push-mower, the job is basically the same. A lawn mower's wheels are mounted in one of three ways, and the method of changing the wheels depends on the mounting your mower has.
- Hydraulic jack or wooden blocks
- Socket set
- Pliers
- Wrenches
- Screwdrivers
- Rags and solvent
- Axle grease
- Cotter pins
Wheels Held on With Nuts
Jack up the mower, or lift it onto wooden blocks. Remove the nut with a socket wrench. Remove the washer (if any). Slide the wheel off the axle.
Clean the axle with a rag and solvent, and cover it with a thin film of grease. Mount the new wheel. Replace the washer and nut.
Repeat these steps with other wheels.
Wheels Held on With Cotter Pins
Jack up the mower, or lift it onto wooden blocks. Bend the cotter pin straight with a screwdriver and pliers, and slide it out. Remove the washer. Slide the wheel off the axle.
Clean the axle with a rag and solvent, and cover it with a thin film of grease. Mount the new wheel. Replace the washer. Insert a new cotter pin and bend the ends so it cannot come off.
Repeat these steps with other wheels.
Wheels Held on With Bolts
Jack up the mower, or lift it onto wooden blocks. Remove the bolt with a socket wrench. Take the bolt, wheel and washers apart.
Clean the bolt with a rag and solvent, and cover its shank with a thin film of grease. Mount the new wheel, washers and bolt.
Repeat these steps with other wheels.
Tips and Warnings
- If the axle is hidden by a hub cap, pry it off with screwdrivers. You will find either a cotter pin or a nut underneath.
- If you are replacing a wheel because the bearings are bad, check to see whether you have replaceable bearings. You might not need to replace the whole wheel.
