MTD 450 Series Shop Manual page 36

For Parts Call 606-678-9623 or 606-561-4983
450 Series Tillers
17. Insert a putty knife or scraper between the two case
halves and work around the perimeter of the gear
case until all sealant has been broken free.
See Figure 5.17.
NOTE: If there is dirt or corrosion on the shafts it
may be necessary to clean the shaft using
emery cloth.
18. Lubricate the wheel and tine shafts with motor oil so
they slide more easily through the bearings.
19. OPTIONAL: Drag on the shafts may be reduced by
removing the shaft seals.
• Cut the seal housing to relieve tension. It does
not need to be cut all the way through.
See Figure 5.18.
• Do NOT nick the shaft while cutting the seal
housing.
• Once loosened by cutting, slide the seal off the
shaft and discard it.
20. Carefully pry up and separate the left gear case from
the right gear case. See Figure 5.19.
• Wooden wedges or blocks may be used to hold
the housing steady as it is lifted.
• The housing must be lifted straight up, or it will
bind.
• A soft-faced mallet or dead-blow hammer may
be used to drive the shafts down if they start to
lift.
32
www.mymowerparts.com
Scraper
Figure 5.17
Relief cut in
seal shell
Figure 5.18
Figure 5.19
Wood block