Lawn Tractor: Won't Steer Correctly

The wheel bearing allows the wheel to turn on the spindle shaft. If these bearings become worn, they will have excessive play and the wheel will become very loose on the axle while you drive. If you notice this on your lawn tractor, you should replace your bearings. Start by removing the dust cap and snap ring holding the wheel on. Remove the wheel, and use a punch to tap out the bearings. Now you can clean out the inside of the wheel and grease the outside of the bearing and the inside of the wheel. Align the bearing and tap it in evenly and lightly by using a block of wood on top of the bearing. Pack the inside of the wheel with grease until it is completely packed full, or use a grease fitting to pump grease in after you have re-installed it. Re-install the wheel on the spindle shaft. Wipe off the grease that comes out and re-install the clip to hold the wheel on properly.

There are 2 gears, one on the steering wheel shaft, and the other on the steering lever. If these gears are jumping, and not connecting properly, they will need to be replaced. To inspect and replace the gears, start by removing the fuel tank to gain access to the steering box. Not all models will require you to complete this step, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for instructions specific to your model. Now you can remove the steering wheel and the sprocket on the shaft. Remove the steering column and steering plate, then disconnect the lever and remove the 4 bolts that fasten the gear box down. At this stage, you can remove the old steering gear box and install a new one. Reattach the lever, the 4 mounting bolts and reinstall the steering plate, steering column, sprocket, and steering wheel.

The steering shaft transmits rotary motion from the steering wheel to the gear box. If the gears become badly worn on this shaft and start jumping, a new shaft is required. Start by removing the mower deck (your tractor’s owner’s manual will provide model-specific instructions for how to do this). Next, remove the steering wheel bolt, steering wheel, sprocket, and gas tank. The gas tank may not need to be removed, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for this step as well. Use a floor jack to lift the front end of the mower and use pliers to remove the spring clip on the steering shaft. Next, remove the shaft mounting bolts, slide off the steering support and washer, and remove the old shaft. Install the new shaft through the steering plate, and slide on the support and the washer. Re-install the mounting bolts and slide the shaft up through the bushing and the console. Re-insert the spring clip and lower the mower down, then re-install the fuel tank. Finally, re-attach the sprocket and steering wheel and tighten them down.

The spindle mounts to the control arm and is designed to rotate the arm. If a spindle wears badly or becomes bent, it will impact your ability to properly steer your lawn tractor. To replace the spindle, first remove the wheel. Remove the nuts holding the steering link to the spindle arm, and detach the link. Next, remove the dust cap and the clip and washer holding the spindle in place. Remove the damaged spindle and install the new one (with the washer) on the shaft. Install the washer and clip holding the spindle onto the axle. Next, re-attach the steering link to the spindle arm with the washer and nut and re-install the dust cap. Slide on the inner washer, wheel, outer washer, and clip. Finally, be sure to grease the fittings.

Washers are located on the steering components between stationary parts and moving parts. If one of these washers breaks off and binds up, you will need to replace it. To complete this repair, you will first need to determine which washer is binding up. If you discover a washer binding up on a shaft, please see the section on how to repair and replace a broken or damaged shaft, located on this page. If the damaged washer is on one of the wheels, simply remove the wheel and replace the washer.

The bushing is used to protect the equipment from abrasion, vibration, and noise. A worn bushing can cause excessive play. Check the bushing at the steering box for play as you turn the steering wheel back and forth. If you notice excessive movement in the bushings they will have to be replaced. Rather than replace the bushings individually, it’s typically easier to replace the whole steering box, as it comes as an assembly. Follow the steps under gears to remove and replace the steering box. However, if you do wish to just change the bushing, you will still have to remove the steering box. Once removed, you will have to remove any other bolts holding it together, then simply replace the bushings and re-install the steering box. Linkages are attached at either end by a threaded end, a bushing, and a washer. If these bushings have play, simply remove the nut and pull the linkage out, then replace the bushing.

The linkages are attached to the steering box in different ways depending on your model (check your owner’s manual or repair manual to find instructions for your specific model). If these rods become damaged in any way they will need to be replaced. Locate the mounting points for the linkage and simply remove the bolts at each end, and install the new linkage.