Honda HRX217

Family has 4 Honda Mowers and find them to be a excellent mower from mowing quality especially in Central Pa where 80% of time we are mowing wet grass . We always had lawnboys prior and once thatching and bagging became the thing to do these mowers sucked But they never broke down .The Honda it appears we are always repairing them . Mowing quality-Excellent - Maintenance Requirement -HIGH .  Working on my brothers HRX217 and found the bushing and seal on the rear drive tire have moved out of the housing towards the transmission as its on that side. Ended up getting a new wheel bracket since the bore of existing was oblong . When installing it could not find enough room when placing the drive ratchet on the shaft . Could not get the snap rings on . I then noticed that the transmission can shift left to right to provide me enough clearance to get snap ring on.  Is it normal for this transmission to be able to shift until the snap ring are on up to 3/8 of a inch?   The issue I was initially trying to solve is a loud sound when you engage the drive bar and start moving the mower .It really increase in loudness especially it seams if any load like going up a slight incline .I dont hear this on the other 3 mowers