My Lawn Mower's Blade Brake Clutch Is Making a Noise

Not all models of mowers contain a brade blake clutch.

Not all models of mowers contain a brade blake clutch.

When you purchase a lawn mower with a safety feature such as a blade brake clutch, you like to know it works as it should. When the blade brake clutch starts making a noise, however, it is most likely due to a mechanical malfunction. Stop using the blade brake clutch immediately and delve deeper into the situation before resuming normal mowing.

Blade Brake Clutch Purpose

Lawn mowers with a blade brake clutch offer a feature many other mowers do not. The blade brake clutch allow the operator of the mower to disengage the rotation of the mower blades without having to stop the engine. This feature comes in handy when you need to empty the bag, cross gravel or paved pathways or cease mowing to remove obstacles in your path. Mowers with a blade brake clutch free you from having to start the engine more than once during a single mowing session.

Blade Brake Clutch Operation

Improper operation of the blade brake clutch may cause it to make noises you normally wouldn't hear. Most models of mowers require you to operate the blade brake clutch in a similar manner. Start the engine of the mower and adjust the throttle to the highest setting. Push and hold the blade stop button situated on one side, usually on the right, of the mower's handle. Pull the blade control lever toward the mower's handle and hold it in place. Finally, release the blade stop button to engage the mower's blade. These actions will enable blade rotation. To stop blade rotation immediately and activate the blade brake clutch, simply release the blade control lever.

Blade Brake Clutch Noises

Various noises may arise from the mower when there's a problem with the blade brake clutch. A rattling or clanking sound may indicate a loose or broken part is hitting against the metal components of the mower. A squealing noise often indicates parts that require lubrication to quell the sound or parts that may have become worn or may have shifted slightly from their designated position. Grinding noises usually warn of metal-on-metal contact.

Blade Brake Assembly Repair

While replacing the blade brake clutch assembly may sound overwhelming, it is a task the mechanically-inclined mower operator can perform. What makes the repair potentially possible is the fact the blade brake clutch is sold as one pre-assembled unit, removing the need to remove and replace numerous parts. Ensure you purchase the exact assembly for your model of mower and tighten all components securely before starting the mower and taking it for a test run.

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