Under the axle oil seal is a retaining-clip and probably some thin shims. Sounds like clips have become dislodged or broken. These clips and shims prevent axle from sliding back and forth. Good news is if he has washers in there then he was able to remove wheels. Removing wheels is usually the hardest part. On my 1985 Horse, clip is part #9511, seal is #9609. Yours may or may not be the same. Verify if you can find a parts breakdown specific to your model and year. Do not hit axle with hammer to remove wheel, if wheel is stuck, remove spirol pins in axle and go till until wheel becomes loose. Use penetrating oil as needed. The clips were probably broken during the first wheel removal process, probably by striking it in an attempt to remove wheel. REJ2.

I had one to just do that it was snapring behind seal pushed my seal out onto shaft. Do yourself favor when get seal and snap ring also get shims Kit.

The tiller body slides in axel L R about 1 inch, I can not any repaire shop in Denton TX (I am in zip code 76210) now I also willneed to replace the right wheel seal.

Please advise if yo receive this (I used yahoo because I could not find a way to send my message using your normal link.

Bill Gasch, gasch2@yahoo.com, 2324 Chmplain LN, Denton TX .Home 940-535-2150 Cell 817-919-0011

I assumed that there was some snap ring or something retaining the shims, but there doesn't appear to be one. I do note that there is supposed to be .040 inch side play, which is of course almost none from a shaking or sliding stand point. This play is just supposed to be taken up by an appropriate number of shims. I would imagine the seals have deteriorated if there is side play but I have never had any personal experience. I just now read my detailed manual to look for the non-existent snap ring.