Drag Link,​​ Steering

Remove the nut from the drag link at the steering gear, then removed the drag link from the ball joint. Install the new drag link in the ball joint and connected it to the steering gear.

1. Disassembled dash and steering components. This is straight foreword but does require some time. Removing the mower deck may make this easier but I just jacked up the mower and lowered the front, leaving the back of the deck connected. The lower bolt on the steering shaft had to be heated to get it to break loose.
2. I first replace the Lower Dash, then the lower components of the steering assembly. When the parts in the lower steering assembly do wear out, the spacer allowed play in the steering assembly which will cause the lower gear on the steering shaft to wear out.
3. Next the steering shaft went into place and the upper dash went back together. I used anti-seize on everything.
4. On reassemble, I replaced the lower steering shaft Phillips head screw with a standard hex bolt to make removal easier next time.
5. Next was to ensure the front wheels were centered, adjust the steering linkage and install the steering wheel.
6. Then just raise the front of the deck and reconnect the linkage. Once the mower is off the jack, check/adjust the deck to ensure it is level, it should be OK.

I do recommend having the parts book with the expanded drawings, just to reference for the parts and the locations. It is not difficult, but I still took my time with it and could have probably shaved quite a bit of time off the project it the lower steering shaft screw wasn't locked up and required heat to break loose. Removing the mower deck completely may also give you a little more room to work, but is not necessary. Using one of those mower jacks that picks up the front end also makes this easier but anything to raise it and block it in place will work.

Removing the old steering parts was no difficult. Getting some parts was a bit tight behind the engine. Had the tractor on jack stands so I could get under it. Downloaded the parts diagram and used it to reinstall the parts once they arrived. Centered the front wheels and steering wheel, tightened all parts and finished.

Removed broken steering arm, and ball joint. Knocked seized kingpin out of axle bushing. Polished with crocus cloth, reassembled with new steer arm and ball joint. Greased machine. Instructed owner to grease monthly.

Removed wheel and axle, pushed out old bushings cleaned axle shaft greased and reassembled