Free PDF Download of the
Peerless Trouble-Shooting Guide

SAE 80W90  32 oz. For use in Transmissions  and Transaxles 730229B	Repair Manual Technicians Handbook For Peerless Motion  Drive Systems 740045	Synthetic  Oil  32 oz. For use in VST Hydro Transaxles 730228
VST Oil Kit 799030	Ultra Grey Sealer For MST Series Transaxles 788093A	Set of  2 Brake Pads Fits ALL Peerless Brake Systems 799021
Bentonite Grease For use in  transmission and  transaxle applications 788067C	Loctite 515 Thread Sealer For use on some  2 Cycle engines and most Peerless Models  510334	Set of  2 Shifter Keys Fits For us in    820, 920 and 930 Series 799012

Below are common search phrases
excerpts from the 740045 Repair Manual used to get to our peerless information
For more information on repair, please purchase the manual.

Tecumseh/Peerless

All units have identification numbers located on an attached tag or stamped into the case. This information is required to obtain parts or replacement units.
The term transaxle is a combination transmission and differential in one case. Tecumseh transaxle and transmission are in many different gear combinations from one to seven forward speeds with one reverse.
The 600 series is a lightweight transaxle used in riding mowers, this unit has a vertical input shaft at the top of the aluminum case.
The 800 series has 3 to 6 speeds forward and reverse. This transaxle features bronze oil impregnated bushings with needle bearings or ball bearings on the axles, input and output shafts.
The 820 series has 2 to 6 speeds forward and reverse, this unit is built for heavy duty work including ground attachments. This unit features steel cut gears for a heavy workload.
The 900 series unit is similar to the 800 series with the added feature of 2, 3, or 4 speeds forward and 1 reverse.
The manual shift transaxle is a sealed unit which uses gear
Lube part number 730229b.This unit is available with 6 speeds forward and reverse.
The axle shaft part number 774047 connects the wheel or hub to the differential unit and transmits force back to the wheels.
The bevel gear part number 778086 a gear with teeth ground on a diagonal so that when it meshes with a second bevel gear, power is then transmitted at an angle.
The output shaft part number 776028 on the transaxle is driven by the large output gear.
The idler gear part number 776032 is used to rotate the shaft upon which it is located.
This is a few of many series and terms used on the Tecumseh Transaxle.

Peerless Transaxles
There are two types of six speed transaxles. The first is the standard six-speed transaxle and then you have the 601-001, 601-002, 601-003, 601-004, and so fourth; these are the slower speed transaxles. One of the main similarities on both the transaxles are the case and the case covers {770030}, this makes the transaxles appear the same, but only by appearance. One of the main differences is that the 601 Peerless series has a different input shaft and bevel gear than the 600 Peerless series units.
Six hundred series transaxles have aluminum cases and covers. The input shaft {776055b} on the six hundred series units is on top of the case to receive vertical shaft power from the engine. Some of the six hundred series transaxles are equipped with an optional disc brake. There are many different variations of equipment braking systems, due to this adjustments and repairs to these components and linkages are not considered warranty.
To disassemble your six hundred series Peerless transaxle first clean the outside surface of the transaxle in an area that will be away from the place where service will be provided. The shift lever on the Peerless unit will then need to be in the neutral position; this will make disassembly easier. Remove the three screws holding the shift lever {784030} on; next remove all keys from key ways on the Peerless unit. Clean all burrs and dirt from the shafts. Some shafts may be hardened, for these you may use a stone or a crocus cloth to remove the burrs and other such. If a shaft is pulled thru a seal then that seal will need to be replaced on the unit. Use the same rule of thumb for gaskets on the Peerless unit, if they are tampered with while unit is being serviced then replace.
User may use a seal protector on the axle shaft and lift off the transaxle cover assembly {772042}. This single lip style seal {788009} may be reused if the proper care is taken to make sure seal is not damaged during servicing of the Peerless transaxle. Next will be the removal of the differential assembly, while doing this you will need to replace two or three of the screws that hold the center plate assembly down. The plate assembly should pull straight up, if tight you may tap on the lower axle with a soft mallet. Next remove the gear from atop the shifter shaft. Once removal of the center plate assembly screws has taken process, next remove the center plate and discard the gasket.
Remove the complete shifter assembly from the Peerless unit by holding the shifter gears{778058,778059}, shaft{776103} and both shifter rods {784084} as a whole unit. Once removal of the shifter assembly has taken place closely examine the unit to see if service is needed. If no service is needed keep unit together as a whole. Next remove the reverse idler shaft {776057}, spacer, and gear. Continue the process by removing the cluster gear sub assembly and thrust washer next.
If disassembly of the cluster sub gear on the Peerless unit is necessary, this may be done to some extent. All worn or damaged gears are replaceable. While doing this you may want to use a press to drive out the shaft squarely. The small and medium gears bevels face down. There is no beveled edge on the large gear. The sort spacer will need to fit in between the medium and the larger gear. Keyed edge ends must align with shaft ends.
Next remove the idler gear, thrust washers {780072}, and thrust bearing {780071}. The input shaft oil seal will need to be removed to allow you to get to the snap ring. Once the snap ring is removed the input shaft should slide out without difficulties. Any removed seals need to replaced with new seals not old ones.
To assemble the Peerless transaxle, first install a new seal, thrust washers {780096}, and bearing {780064} onto the input shaft in the same sequence mentioned. Also these will need to be installed into the case using a seal protector. Next set case assembly open side up and insert the idler gear assembly {786036}, thrust washers, and bearing {780059}. You must make sure your bearing and thrust washers remain in place while the assembly of the idler gear, shifter, and brake shaft {776056} is being performed. Then insert the washer and the three-gear cluster assembly; making sure the bevels on the two shifting gears {778058, 778059} is facing down. Next insert the shifter assembly and make sure the seated rods in the shifter assembly are seated properly. Move along by next installing the reverse idler gear, making sure the beveled edge is up. Place the spacer atop of the gear. Next install the dowel pins {786026} to ease the cover installation on the Peerless unit. Then you may put a new gasket on the case and install the center plate. Place the differential assembly with the longer axle in the downward position while making sure the gear on the shifter shaft is installed.
The process of reassembling the Peerless unit is almost complete, but next you will need to torque the cap screws to 7-9 FT. LBS. / 84-108 IN. LBS. Next installs the axle supports and fill with 24 OZ. Of S.A.E. 80W90 {part number TEC-730229B} gear lube. Fill completely through the shifter housing

PEERLESS 700 SERIES TRANSMISSIONS

Following are the procedures to take apart the 2, 3, 4 or 5 speed transmissions in 700 series:

1. remove the screw, spring and ball from the cover (tec-772083a)
2. remove the cover and shifter assembly
3. remove the gear and shaft assemblies, but don’t separate the drive chain (tec-786081) and sprocket (tec-786082)
4. remove bevel (tec-778154) and splined (tec-778207a) gears
5. remove all parts from the brake shaft (tec-776217)
6. remove the snap ring and bevel gear from the case (tec-770061a)
7. install the input needle (tec-776135) below the surface from inside to outside

The 700 series transmission uses a thrust washer to hold the shift keys as they slide into the gear. Some of the washers have a rounded side and some have a 45 degree side, but either one can be used.

The gear is flat on one side and recessed on the other. It goes on the shaft towards the shift keys.

Slide the collar toward the shoulder on the shaft. The first gear should be installed with the 45 degree side touching the same side of the washer. Install a 2nd washer making sure the same sides are touching. All the gears and washers should be installed the same way. The number of speeds determines the number of gears and washers.

The bevel gear goes on first and then the spur gears – smallest to largest. When the chain is installed, be sure both sprockets face toward the keys. Use the appropriate washers where needed. Put grease around the gears and put the cover on the case. Torque should be 90-110 in.lbs. Tighten the screw to increase the tension on the fan. Check for binding by turning the shaft. Brake pads and disc must be free of oil.

700H SERIES TRANSMISSIONS

The 700H transmission is 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse. To take the tranny apart, start with the switch. Take out the screws that hold the cover to the case and remove the cover.

Lift the two shafts from the case, but do not disturb the chain and sprockets. Remove the bearing and sprocket from the shaft. Take off the chain. The rest of the dismantling is the same as the 700 series.

Assembling the 700H is the same as the 700 series except for one additional collar and spacer.