Husqvarna GT 52 XLS (960430159-01) drive belt replacement

[jpilk99]

I'm working on a neighbors machine and the drive belt snapped. He's not to handy, so I said I'd help. I looked up the "parts diagram" for the Husqvarna model number, 960430159-01, and found the drive belt: 532420807.

Haven't found a video showing the drive belt replacement, and it didn't help that the old one snapped and fell off. So I can't know 100% how to route the new one. Do I have to remove the steering column?

1. I removed the deck (heavy bastid).
2. Dropped the PTO and disconnected wiring; got it out of the way.
3. Engaged parking brake
4. Routed new belt around rear transaxle pulley, then up around the drive pulley. I believe I ran the belt to the Right the steering column.
5. Then routed it around the two idler pulleys...

But it's way to tight and rubbing on the steering column. Me thinks the column needs to come out. If someone has a DIY of how to replace the drive belt on one of these GT 52 XLS beasts, that would be great. Or at least a routing diagram.

Thanks so much!!!

Jay

 

[jpilk99]

I am looking at the Owners Manual from the Husqvarna website and they show the belt off to the right of the steering column (see below). I've read other posts that this is Wrong and that you do need to remove the steering column, run the belt around forward PTO pulley, idlers, and rear trans axle, and then reinstall the steering column through the middle of the drive belt.

Someone please help me out here. Thank you,

Jay:

 

[oldnslo]

Per that diagram running the belt to right side of steering column seems correct. Putting steering column in middle of belt looks like it would then rub on the steering column to go around the idlers.