Rp,​ Transmission,​ 22+,​ Fwgd,​ Ss

Removed wheels took spring off, removed axle with gearbox. Installed new gearbox after the cable was hooked up, hook spring put wheels back on and I was ready to go.

Removed and replaced

Printed out parts explosion to guide me.
Propped front of mower up with a bucket.
Disassembled the front wheels, drive gears, and belt keeper.
Could not drive out dowel pins from drive shaft so I had to drill them out.
Then removed the height adjuster mechanisms.
Disconnected the drive engage cable and release spring.
Removed the broken gearbox.
Gripped the input shaft with pliers and unscrewed the belt pulley.
Installed the new gearbox.
Attached the drive engage cable and release spring.
Installed the height adjuster mechanisms.
Since I destroyed the dowel pins getting the old gearbox out, I had to purchase new dowel pins at my local hardware store.
The holes in the shaft were way too tight for the dowel pins.
So I enlarged the holes by wobbling a 3/16" drill in the holes until I could get the pins to drive in.
Reassembled the drive gears and wheels.
Reattached the drive pulley and belt keeper.

I recommend ordering new dowel pins along with the gearbox if you need to replace it.

1. Removed old front wheel drive assembly and then found that the reason for failure was the bearings for the shaft ends were defective and that probably caused the front wheel drive failure. The parts list only listed the left and right wheel height assembly - could not purchase the bearings separately, but the parts had been discontinued.
2. Searched ebay and found the specialty replacement bearing that was manufactured by Husqvarna - part number 587070202 and ordered two bearings (about $10 each), which delayed the repair by a week until the bearings arrived. The bearings were very difficult to replace, due to rust and dirt, but completed the job. Spent about $100 on a 10 year old self propelled Craftsman mower that originally cost about $250, but will probably be good for another 10 years.

Removed front wheels and removed old axle. Installed new axle and transmission. Installed front wheels.