MTD 31AE5MLG729 - Manual (Page 13)

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11.2. Using a 3/8” socket, remove the shaft retainer
cover. See Figure 25.
11.3. Remove the ball bearing and flat washer.
11.4. Using snap ring pliers, remove the retaining ring.
See Figure 26.
11.5. Remove the three flat washer shims.
Figure 25
Shaft Retainer Cover
Figure 26
Retaining Ring
11.6. Remove the planetary ring gear. See Figure 27.
11.7. You can now remove and service the inner plan-
etary gears.
NOTE: The procedure can be performed for
either planetary gear cluster.
12. DRIVE SHAFT REMOVAL
NOTE: It is not necessary to remove any belts to
service the Drive shaft.
12.1. Remove both planetary gear clusters as covered
in REMOVAL OF THE PLANETARY GEAR sec-
tion.
12.2. Lift up on the right side of the drive shaft to allow
removal of the right chain. See Figure 28.
Figure 27
Planetary Ring Gear
Figure 28
Drive Shaft