January 01, 2015

How to replace a riding lawn mower front tire

How to replace a riding lawn mower front tire

This step-by-step repair guide explains how to change a front tire on a riding lawn mower if the old tire is damaged beyond repair. Replacing the front tire is fairly easy; you just need a few tools and a manufacturer-approved riding mower part.

Follow the steps in this repair guide and video to replace the front tire on Craftsman, Husqvarna, Toro, Troybilt, Ariens, Poulan, MTD, Murray, Snapper, Yard-Man, John Deere and Weed Eater riding mowers and lawn tractors.

If you'd rather use tire sealant to repair the tire, the video How to Repair a Riding Lawn Mower Tire shows how.

Quick links
Tools required
Floor jack or bottle jack
Jack stand
Slot screwdrivers
Pry bars
Pliers
Valve stem core removal tool
Liquid detergent
Water
Wood blocks
Work gloves
Safety goggles
Compressor air supply
Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
Repair difficulty
Time required
60 minutes or less
Replacing a front tire on a riding lawn mower

This video explains how to replace the front tire on a riding lawn mower.

Instructions

  1. 01.

    Disconnect the spark plug

    Park the riding mower on a level surface and set the parking brake.

    Turn the ignition switch off and remove the key.

    Wear work gloves to protect your hands and safety goggles to protect your eyes.

    Lift the riding lawn mower hood and disconnect the spark plug wire.

    Lower the tractor hood.

    Tip: Disconnect both spark plug wires if your engine has 2 cylinders.
    PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plug.

    PHOTO: Disconnect the spark plug.

  2. 02.

    Jack up the riding mower

    Block the rear tires to keep the riding mower from rolling.

    Position the jack under the frame and jack up the riding mower to raise the front wheel.

    Place a jack stand under the frame to support the riding mower.

    Remove the jack.

    PHOTO: Block the rear wheel.

    PHOTO: Block the rear wheel.

  3. 03.

    Remove the front wheel

    Pull off the axle cover.

    Remove the retaining ring and then pull off the washers.

    Pull the tire off the axle.

    PHOTO: Remove the front wheel.

    PHOTO: Remove the front wheel.

  4. 04.

    Remove the tire

    Remove the valve stem cap.

    Remove the valve stem core, which lets any remaining air out of the tire.

    Break the tire bead and pry the tire off the wheel rim on one side.

    Pry the tire off the rim on the other side.

    PHOTO: Pry the tire off the rim.

    PHOTO: Pry the tire off the rim.

  5. 05.

    Install the new tire

    Clean the wheel rim.

    Set the new tire flat on a work surface.

    Lubricate the top tire bead with liquid detergent.

    Pry the rim into the top side of the tire.

    Flip the rim and tire over.

    Lubricate the tire bead with liquid detergent.

    Pry the remaining side of the tire onto the rim.

    Warning: Use blunt tools to pry the tire to avoid damaging the new tire bead.
    PHOTO: Lubricate the bead.

    PHOTO: Lubricate the bead.

  6. 06.

    Seal the bead

    Fill the tire with air to seat the tire bead.

    Reinstall the valve stem core.

    Fill the tire fully with air.

    Tip: If the tire didn't fill with air, install a ratcheting tension strap around the center of the tire tread, tighten the strap to force the beads outward, and fill the tire with air to seat the tire bead. Carefully release and then remove the strap.
    Tip: If the bead doesn’t seal, check the rim and replace it if you find damage.
    PHOTO: Shoot air into the tire.

    PHOTO: Shoot air into the tire.

  7. 07.

    Reinstall the wheel

    Slide the wheel on the axle.

    Reinstall the washers and snap the retaining ring onto the axle.

    Push the axle cover onto the wheel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the wheel.

    PHOTO: Reinstall the wheel.

  8. 08.

    Lower the riding mower

    Push the jack under the frame and raise the riding mower, and then pull out the jack stand.

    Lower the riding mower to the ground.

    Remove the wood blocks from the rear tires.

  9. 09.

    Reconnect the spark plug

    Raise the tractor hood.

    Reconnect the spark plug wire and lower the hood.

    Tip: Reconnect both spark plug wires if your engine has 2 cylinders.
Warning: Undertaking repairs to appliances can be hazardous. Use the proper tools and safety equipment noted in the guide and follow all instructions. Do not proceed until you are confident that you understand all of the steps and are capable of completing the repair. Some repairs should only be performed by a qualified technician.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors

Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.

Main causes: unlevel mower deck, dull or damaged cutting blades, worn mandrel pulleys, bent mower deck, engine needs tun…

Main causes: dead battery, stale fuel, bad starter solenoid, ignition system problem, bad ignition interlock switch, clo…

Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly…

Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim…

Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…

Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…

Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components…

Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…

Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, …

Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.

How to replace the seat switch on a riding lawn mower

How to replace the seat switch on a riding lawn mower

Follow the steps in this guide to install a new riding mower seat switch in about 15 minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a riding lawn mower spark plug

How to replace a riding lawn mower spark plug

If the engine is hard to start or if the spark plug electrode is burnt or cracked, take 15 minutes to replace it.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 15 minutes or less
How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

Your mower can’t run on a damaged rear tire. Here’s how to install a new one.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Check the starter solenoid, starter motor, wiring, battery and engine.…

Riding mower and tractor common questions

Riding mower and tractor common questions

You might find the answers to your questions about your riding mower or lawn tractor in this list of frequently asked qu…