I have a 18 horse MTD Lawn tractor about 15 years old. I need to remove the rear wheel to change the tire. I have removed the cotter pin from the axel and the washer, but I can't get it to come off. It appears that they're may be a key pin of some sort on the axel. I don't have the model number I am sorry. Can some help please?

Very hard to remove, saturate in a penetrant and if able keep doing it. I have had to at times heat hub to red hot and douse with Ice water this will work if all else fails.

No clips just father time and corrosion
Don

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Originally Posted by stuckonstupid

I have a 18 horse MTD Lawn tractor about 15 years old. I need to remove the rear wheel to change the tire. I have removed the cotter pin from the axel and the washer, but I can't get it to come off. It appears that they're may be a key pin of some sort on the axel. I dont have the model number I am sorry. Can some help please?

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May be a square key in the key slot on the axle. I have asked question on how to remove from such a setup todayy Watch for answer. bhock

I had the same problem remove the tyre on the mower it can be done but its not easy

Have same problem. Is it a press-fit? Do I need a wheel puller? Or can I just whack it?

I see that robomow suggested removing the tire while still on the tractor. I did think of that, too. I want to install a tube with wheel still on the tractor. Any ideas on how to break the bead and get one side of the tire off?

The original post is 2 years old so I hope he got his wheel off by now. Jack up both rear tires and then put your feet againist the frame on each side of the wheel, grab the tire with both hands and pull toward you while a helper smacks the axle with a mallet, helps to cover the axle end with a piece of oak. Soaking with Liquid Wrench or WD 40 in advance help too.

Hi Ballengerb1,
Your answer sounds workable and I will try it. But just one question. Where do you hit the axle? I removed the 1/2" bolt that screwed into the axle end. Now I can see the axle end. It is flush with the wheel. Is that where I should hit it? I'll be hitting both the wheel and the axle if I do.
Or are you talking about hitting the far end of the axle -- at the other wheel?
Please explain.

Screw the bolt back in half way, then hit the bolt head.

Thanks ballengerb1. I'll give it a try.

If I knew how I'd give you a rating of 200%, split 50-50 for the two anwers to my questions.

ribbit! Thank you! Been trying for 3 week to get my yardman wheel off and the comment to put the bolt half way in and hit it with a hammer was sensational! It really works. I got it 3/4 way off that way. Then I took an old wooden bat and put the end of the barrel against the back side of the rim and hit it with a sledgehammer. Wahlah. Off came the rim. Thank you!

ballengerb1. I mean thank you! Lol.

Same problem with my 15 yr old MTD. Still trying to get the rear rim off. Question.. if u hit the bolt wouldn't that have a chance of striping the threads?