Stand the machine up on its rear bumper so the front axle is straight up. Remove (carefully pry out) the lower plastic plug in the chain compartment case. Fill the cavity with not more than 2 ounces of "NLGI 0" or "NLGI 00" grease. This is not gear oil, it is a thin "chassis and gear LUBE". You can find it at Snapper dealers or general lawn mower repair shops that repair Snapper. Level with the edge of the fill/check hole is correct. You should go to the Snapper website and download the free parts manual and the free service manual.

Thanks so much Mownie! I'll do that!

You should also add 2 oz. of this lube to the center chain case once a year. Same kind of plug in it. It is much easier to add the lube to side gear case by removing the upper plug (when mower is standing on rear standards) as the lower plug has a gear immediately behind it which restricts access. I fill in the top one until it is ready to come out the bottom one. This takes time for lube to run down, turn wheel/gear periodically, putting the lube bottle in hot water for a few minutes will help it flow reducing time.

Don't forget to check for grease zerk on axle bushing on side opposite gear box.

Walt Conner