How to Fix the Steering Mechanism on a Riding Lawn Tractor
It is a helpless feeling to not be able to steer your riding lawn tractor. It is much better to take the time to fix your steering mechanism than to fix what you ran into because you could not steer away from it.
[edit] Steps
- Be safe. Before doing any work on your lawn mower, disconect the spark plug wire and negative battery cable.
- Remove the mower hood and any easily removable panels leading to the steering mechanism, which will be located directly under the steering wheel. The more space you give yourself to work in, the fewer busted knuckles you will have.
- Check all bushings and bearings. The number one reason for steering problems is worn bushings. On Craftsman mowers, pay special attention to the bushing at the bottom of the steering wheel shaft. On MTD mowers, pay special attention to the bushings on the front axle.
- Check all gears for any signs of slipping.
- Replace any parts that show any signs of wear with new parts. Even if a part does not look very bad, it will make all your new parts wear out much sooner.
- Check for worn linkage. The steering wheel should have less than 1/2 a turn of "play" in it. If you need to turn the steering wheel any more than 1/2 a turn before the wheels move, replace worn ball joints or linkage.
- Test your repair. Turn the wheels all the way to one side, then all the way to the other side. Make sure there is no binding anywhere, and that the wheels turn just as far to the left as they do to the right.
- Replace all panels and the hood.
- Reconnect the spark plug wire and battery cable.
[edit] Tips
- Allow plenty of time. If you don't have a lot of time, take your mower to a professional mechanic.
- Pay close attention to how each part comes apart and put it back together exactly the same way.
- Get out your owners manual. It has a diagram of each part of your mower and how everything comes apart. It will be a great help to you; use it.
[edit] Warnings
- Be safe. Make sure the mower cannot be started while you are working on it. Disconnect the spark plug and the battery.
- You might want to wear mechanics gloves. Stearing mechanisms are in tight place and you could scrape some skin off your knuckes if you are not careful.
