just fixed 2 of these, both had transmission failure of a sort. First was one whose hour meter says 55 hours. ground in reverse and no movement . Had water in with grease and drive shaft needle bearings were done. Bottom one was in the grease I assume and part of top one. Shaft moved so much that clip came off and pinion gear was just came when I disassembled. Second one was an older unit (old enough to have tecumseh engine so early 2000's.) . The exterior e clip on the drive shaft had slipped out of the groove. This allowed the shaft to move down a bit. Clip just seemed to have expanded (curious that it wasn't rusty but not aware of anyone else working on it). I replaced it with a properly fitting clip but since the transaxle was off the mower I took it apart anyway. I couldn't see any problem with the gears or the clutch shifter dog. Back together and seems ok. Couple things bug me a bit. I did replace upper drive belt with the mtd spec. Owner had changed himself not realizing that he had to remove the pulley so he squeezed a 1/2 belt of approx size onto it. Even the 5/8 that he first tried was just a generic size. So I'm testing it and cutting. When I disengage blades they keep going. Have to shut engine off so they'll stop. On another test not cutting all of a sudden the blades start even with lever not engaged. Messaged him and yes he changed the deck belt and no didn't get the mtd numbered belt. I looked it up and mtd belt is 1/2 inch from whole number length but apparently he's not concerned.
