My Scotts S1642 Lawnmower started making a loud screeching noise while mowing. The mower will move slowly forward or back but when I try to go faster the noise starts. I need to check the pulley at the top of the transmission, how do I get to it? Thanks

Hi,
That is unlikely the culprit; it instead is probably one of the idlers. See the attached picture of the drive system. There are three possible culprits and it could be more than one.
Peace,
Clarke

Thanks Clarke for the answer. My friend that was going to work on it prefers not to start tearing it down. I am taking it to a repair shop instead. I hope it does not cost me an arm and a leg.
Venus

I had the same problem with the loud noise and no movement. I took off the tranny. It's not too hard. Remove the belt. You just have to pull a cotter pin on the trannys left side, I think this is for the brake,and disconnect the shift arm (one nut) on the right. These were easy to get to with the rear wheels off. Put a jack under the tranny and remove the six bolts. The lever to disengage the tranny for towing can remain attached if you roll the tranny forward as you lower it to remove it. I found the pulley worn and the shaft. I called Tuff Torq who made the tranny and they sent me a kit to replace the shaft, seal and bearing for $25. This can be done without tearing the tranny apart! The pulley comes from the Deere dealer.

Found the same when I pulled out trans axle this weekend. Thanks for the post will attempt same fix.