I have a 6 Y/O MTD riding mower. The spindles appear to have gotten rusty over the winter and don't turn freely (stored in a garden shed). I have already broken the belt due to the increased friction. I need to know how to remove the deck and if the spindles can be repaired or if they need to be replaced.

On a 6y/o unit, I would suggest the replacement of the spindles. This can be very costly. You may want to try and get the spindles to break loose before going through the expense of replacing them.

You can use a piece of pull rope size string to pull the pop pins at the rear of the deck, then disconnect the front hanging brackets, and the cable to the brakes. Turn the wheels all the way to the left, and remove the deck to the right hand side of the unit.

There is aftermarket spindle assemblies available that can save you a lot of cash.

Thanks Mowerman. I'll give it a try. Can you tell me who makes the aftermarket spincles?

If you can get the old assembly off the deck you can then force to old quill out of the bearings and then replace the quill and bearings and not have to replace the entire assembly. A good parts house should have every thing you need.

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Originally Posted by letmetellu

If you can get the old assembly off of the deck you can then force to old quill out of the bearings and then replace the quill and bearings and not have to replace the entire assembly. A good parts house should have every thing you need.

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This is an option on some of the assemblies. But when you have it off and apart, check for wear and "slop" in the aluminum housing where the bearings set.