If your lawn mower is causing you more frustration than grass cutting, it might be time to investigate the wheels. A wobbly lawn mower wheel can make steering difficult and cause the mower to bounce around as it runs, creating an uneven cut.
Fortunately, fixing a wobbly lawn mower wheel is a quick and easy process. In just a few minutes, you can have your machine back in working order and slicing through your lawn like a pro.
So, what are you waiting for? Read on for instructions on how to fix wobbly lawn mower wheels.
Contents
- Symptoms of a Wobbly Wheel on a Lawn mower
- How to Fix Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheels
- 1. Fix the wheel by using a copper pipe
- 2. Fixing using a spacer
- FAQ’s How to Fix Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheels
- What Causes a Lawn Mower to Wobble?
- Is There a Way to Fix a Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheel Without Taking the Machine Apart?
- What Can Happen If the Lawn Mower Wheel Is Not Straight?
- Author
Symptoms of a Wobbly Wheel on a Lawn mower
When a lawn mower wheel is wobbly, the machine may seem to be flopping around on the ground as you’re trying to use it.
You also may be finding that it’s difficult to control the lawn mower as you’re cutting your grass, and the uneven cut is letting your grass grow too high in the areas that the mower bounces over.
If you notice any of these things happening, one or more of the wheels on your lawn mower may be wobbly.
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How to Fix Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheels
There are a few ways to fix a wobbly lawn mower wheel. Here are a few methods you can try:
1. Fix the wheel by using a copper pipe
One way to fix a wobbly lawn mower wheel is to use a copper pipe. To do this, you’ll need:
- A copper pipe that is at least 2 feet long
- A hacksaw
- A crescent wrench
- Thread sealant or Teflon tape
Once you have all of your supplies, follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut the copper pipe so that it is 2 feet long.
Step 2: Use the hacksaw to cut one end of the pipe to flat. This will be the end you will use to screw onto the lawn mower wheel axle.
Step 3: Use the crescent wrench to remove the nut from the lawn mower wheel axle.
Step 4: Lay the lawn mower on its side or flip it upside down so that you can access the wobbling wheel axle more easily.
Step 5: Push the flat end of the pipe onto the axle until it is snug. You should feel that there is no movement of the axle as you push on the pipe.
Step 6: Use the crescent wrench to re-attach the nut and tighten it as much as possible by hand.
Step 7: At this point, it is a good idea to check the lawn mower to be sure that it runs smoothly and isn’t wobbly. If there is still a problem, you can remove the axle and spray some thread sealant or Teflon tape onto the axle before replacing it.
Step 8: Once everything is working properly, put the lawn mower back upright or lay it on its side to let the new axle seal set.
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2. Fixing using a spacer
If the copper pipe method doesn’t work, you can also use a spacer to fix the wobbling wheel.
A spacer is a small piece of metal or plastic inserted between the lawn mower wheel and the machine’s frame. This will help keep the wheel in place and stop it from wobbling.
To use a spacer, you’ll need:
- A spacer that is the same size as the width of your lawn mower wheel
- A hacksaw
- A crescent wrench
Once you have all of your supplies, follow these steps:
Step 1: Cut the spacer so that it is the same size as the width of your lawn mower wheel.
Step 2: Use the hacksaw to cut one end of the spacer to flat. This will be the end you will use to screw onto the lawn mower wheel axle.
Step 3: Use the crescent wrench to remove the nut from the lawn mower wheel axle.
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Step 4: Lay the lawn mower on its side or flip it upside down so that you can access the wobbling wheel axle more easily.
Step 5: Place the flat end of the spacer onto one side of the axle.
Step 6: Push the lawn mower wheel onto the other side of the axle to snug. You should feel that there is no movement of the spacer as you push on the lawn mower wheel.
Step 7: Use the crescent wrench to reattach and tighten the nut as much as possible by hand.
Step 8: At this point, it is a good idea to check the lawn mower to ensure it runs smoothly and isn’t wobbly. If there is still a problem, you can remove the axle and spray some thread sealant or Teflon tape onto the axle before replacing it.
Step 9: Once everything is working properly, lay the lawn mower down or flip it upside down to let the new axle seal set.
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FAQ’s How to Fix Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheels
What Causes a Lawn Mower to Wobble?
A lawn mower can wobble if any wheels are not straight. If there is a crack in any of the mower’s wheels, this can cause it to shake while you are using the machine.
If the wheel is not straight, it may wobble when you push the lawn mower. If the wheels are properly aligned and there is no crack, it could be because of a bent axle or loose axle nut.
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Is There a Way to Fix a Wobbly Lawn Mower Wheel Without Taking the Machine Apart?
There may be a way to fix a wobbly lawn mower wheel without separating the machine. Some people have had success by tightening the bolts on the wheel’s axle.
Others have used washers or shims to make up for any lost space on the axle. If neither of these solutions works, it might be necessary to take the machine apart and correct whatever is causing the wobble.
What Can Happen If the Lawn Mower Wheel Is Not Straight?
A lawn mower that wobbles when you push it will be harder to use.
When the lawn mower is wobbling, it will not only make the job harder but could cause a serious injury if you lose control of the mower while it is near a person or animal.
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A wobbly lawn mower wheel can be frustrating for anyone trying to maintain their lawn. While it may require some effort, you can figure out how to fix wobbly lawn mower wheels yourself.
It is a good idea to check the lawn mower for cracks or issues with the wheels before you spend time fixing it, as this will save you the hassle of pulling the mower apart.
