TuffTorq K46 Repair Guide with Pictures

deane1935 · Jun 5, 2014

Be aware that some center cases do not use the 2 IDS filters and springs. I know the K46C on a JD LT160 does not have them.

TiminNC · Jun 6, 2014

Got the K46 pulled from the mower and checked for where my leak is coming from. It is coming solely from the bypass shaft. The shaft no longer has any force pushing against it when trying to engage or disengage (rotate with no resistance). The shaft also appears to not be seated properly thus causing oil to spill out from the top and run down. I've included a picture as well as a youtube link to a video that I made. It appears the camera wasn't in focus but you'll be able to clearly see what I'm referring to. Will I need to open the case to repair this shaft, I'm assuming so.

I can push the mower but it is harder than when the bypass actually worked.

TiminNC · Jun 7, 2014

After further troubleshooting I was able to seat the shaft seals down into the case and then noticed that the 2 bolts that hold the axle to the frame in the front were missing. One had sheared off and the other was gone. I fixed this and now everything is aligned as it should be ... no jerking, the belt isn't slipping out of the pulley and no leaks ... Hopefully it stays that way.

Kyle_in_Tex · Jun 7, 2014

TiminNC said:
After further troubleshooting I was able to seat the shaft seals down into the case and then noticed that the 2 bolts that hold the axle to the frame in the front were missing. One had sheared off and the other was gone. I fixed this and now everything is aligned as it should be ... no jerking, the belt isn't slipping out of the pulley and no leaks ... Hopefully it stays that way.

:thumbsup:
Good job.

audifusion · Jun 17, 2014

I had to take my deck off to replace a bad spindle.

Thinking of 'servicing the tranny',(sounds funny when you say it!) . Is there any way i can leave it on the frame and just drill a hole in the bottom to drain the oil out? and then add new oil through a 'hole' in the top?

this thread is incredibly long…and no i didn't look through all the posts to see if anyone else has done it.

Just trying to find a way to save time.

thanks in advance

audifusion · Jun 17, 2014

I had to take my deck off to replace a bad spindle.

Thinking of 'servicing the tranny',(sounds funny when you say it!) . Is there any way i can leave it on the frame and just drill a hole in the bottom to drain the oil out? and then add new oil through a 'hole' in the top?

this thread is incredibly long?nd no i didn't look through all the posts to see if anyone else has done it.

Just trying to find a way to save time.

thanks in advance

Jumbo1114 · Jun 17, 2014

O.k. folks... read this web-page... BEFORE you do ANYTHING to your K46 tranny.
http://johndeerek46.yolasite.com/

Jumbo1114 · Jun 17, 2014

There's hope... visit this web-page first though... http://johndeerek46.yolasite.com/

RBLapham · Jun 17, 2014

audifusion said:
I had to take my deck off to replace a bad spindle.

Thinking of 'servicing the tranny',(sounds funny when you say it!) . Is there any way i can leave it on the frame and just drill a hole in the bottom to drain the oil out? and then add new oil through a 'hole' in the top?

this thread is incredibly long?nd no i didn't look through all the posts to see if anyone else has done it.

Just trying to find a way to save time.

thanks in advance

No there is no good way to drill a hole and tap it for a drain with it in the tractor, would contaminate the oil. Adding a drain would require disasembling the trans. All kinds of funny ways to add a fill tube and drain - some may work but you will only need to do it about every 200 hours or about 4 years so dropping the K46 is just 4 bolts and a couple clips for the linkage. Then turn it upside down with the breather cap removed, refill with 5W50 synthetic (can not refill with it in the tractor).Did mine in about 90 minutes total (most time waiting for the fluid to drain). Also it is good to remove the K46 to give it a good cleaning.

bgriffin184 · Jun 24, 2014

I've been following this thread for about 2 years. Awesome information here. I have to post a recent success that I'm really embarrassed about, but hopefully it might help someone else. I have tried for the last two years to get my lawn tractor running. After several unsuccessful attempts to rebuild the transmission, I decided to replace my Craftsman 22HP 42 inch 80th Anniversary Edition DYS4500 lawn mower. However, before spending the money, I thought about replacing the drive belt because it hit me......a stretched belt might cause the noises and lack of power just as much as the transmission. So, I spent about 20 dollars, took about 10 minutes and YEAH, the mower took off. According to what I've been able to find, the Craftsman belt dimensions were 1/2" x 96.5 ". The belt that I bought from my local Farm Tractor Supply store was 96". I guess the moral of the story here is to DON'T forget about the belt along with the ol' K46 tranny. Thanks to everyone who has contributed to this forum.