Need serious help with steering problem on 90's Craftsman mower

customnesguy · May 8, 2015

I have a Craftsman 46" cut 917251512 model number. I have been having problems with my steering for a while now. At first it wouldnt turn to the left at all, it would just jump and pop so I replaced the shaft with gear (they are one piece) - Lawn Tractor Steering Shaft Assembly | Part Number 532145103 | SAME DAY SHIP GUARANTEE from Sears PartsDirect

And I also replaced the other gear shown here - Craftsman Riding Lawn Mower Steering Gear 138059 Fits Poulan Husqvarna | eBay

It worked pretty good until about the 3rd time I mowed my yard. Now it will still turn to the left, but it sometimes gets stuck. I dont even have to turn it much to the left and it will get stuck when I try to turn back to the right. It has almost made me crash a few times. I only seem to feel it as I try to turn back to the right. I have to kinda go back a tad to the left and jerk back to the right to get it unstuck. When I take the weight off of the mower by jacking it up, the steering is fine. Tires are aired up also. Can anyone tell me what my next step should be?? I am getting fed up with it, but I love this old mower! Its weird because right turns have never given me a problem. Thanks for the help! Heres a video I did on it so you know what Im working with -

mtypython · May 9, 2015

Spindles flat spot where they go into the axle,similar problem can happen to big rigs when the kingpins get worn by lack of grease

BOSOX · May 9, 2015

Are the sheet metal brackets that hold / align all the steering mechanisms worn out of round and allowing the steering to be sloppy? Been a little while since I looked at the steering in one of those machines. Don't give up, there isn't too much to go wrong with that set up.

Very nice work on it, like the paint job a lot, very cool!

puppycat · May 9, 2015

You did a fine job on that Craftsman man. I like it alot. Dang

customnesguy · May 9, 2015

mtypython said:
Spindles flat spot where they go into the axle,similar problem can happen to big rigs when the kingpins get worn by lack of grease

Im a little confused on what your trying to say here.

customnesguy · May 9, 2015

BOSOX said:
Are the sheet metal brackets that hold / align all the steering mechanisms worn out of round and allowing the steering to be sloppy? Been a little while since I looked at the steering in one of those machines. Don't give up, there isn't too much to go wrong with that set up.

Very nice work on it, like the paint job a lot, very cool!

They seemed to have a little slop, but not much. I should double check. Thanks for the kind words guys! It looks good, so I want it to steer good as well.

customnesguy · May 22, 2015

BOSOX said:
Are the sheet metal brackets that hold / align all the steering mechanisms worn out of round and allowing the steering to be sloppy? Been a little while since I looked at the steering in one of those machines. Don't give up, there isn't too much to go wrong with that set up.

Very nice work on it, like the paint job a lot, very cool!

This seems to be the problem after I have inspected it more. Its very sloppy. That bottom bracket needs repacing, but I cant find a part #, and I cant even find it on the Sears website that has the schematics!

Or, I could waste a whole day going to 20 stores to try and find a brass bushing that would fit.

Anyone know the part # for that bracket?

lgarmon · May 23, 2015

customnesguy said:
This seems to be the problem after I have inspected it more. Its very sloppy. That bottom bracket needs repacing, but I cant find a part #, and I cant even find it on the Sears website that has the schematics!

Or, I could waste a whole day going to 20 stores to try and find a brass bushing that would fit.

Anyone know the part # for that bracket?

If you search member larrybl's posts, he has done several steering repairs on these tractors. You might start here at post 278.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/14-craftsman-sears-forum/128924-hulk-ii-project-19.html#post2012332

customnesguy · May 24, 2015

lgarmon said:
If you search member larrybl's posts, he has done several steering repairs on these tractors. You might start here at post 278.

http://www.mytractorforum.com/14-craftsman-sears-forum/128924-hulk-ii-project-19.html#post2012332

Thanks!

I bought a brass bushing impregnated with oil locally for $3, had to cut it shorter because it wouldnt allow the snap ring to go back on, hammered it in and now it steers perfectly! I think it will last a good while. I believe this is all I needed to begin with. I believe I wasted about $100 buying the 2 gears.

Newsman · May 25, 2015

I am sooo jealous of that paint job! :fing32: I am nowhere ready to paint any of the tractors I have to work on, but I sure wish that with a dozen or so to fix and get running, that by the time I get through them all I will be able to do a job that is acceptable. No way will I be able to approach the quality in yours.
MikeC

PS: Now all you have to do is change that seat or at least replace the yellow with orange to match the tractor.:sidelaugh

customnesguy · May 26, 2015

Newsman said:
I am sooo jealous of that paint job! :fing32: I am nowhere ready to paint any of the tractors I have to work on, but I sure wish that with a dozen or so to fix and get running, that by the time I get through them all I will be able to do a job that is acceptable. No way will I be able to approach the quality in yours.
MikeC

PS: Now all you have to do is change that seat or at least replace the yellow with orange to match the tractor.:sidelaugh

When I finished, I was going to paint the yellow seat trim to match but just never even did it! The seat was brand new.

Newsman · May 26, 2015

Well, it still looks great. And you keep the Deere and Cub guys happy w the yellow, the orange for the Kubota and Ariens folks and since it's a Craftsman, nuff said. :fing32:
Now all you have do is get some red for the Gravely and Wheelhorse aficionados. Bolens and the rest of the folks will just have to wait for the next tractor.:sidelaugh

Need serious help with steering problem on 90's Craftsman mower

customnesguy

mtypython

BOSOX

puppycat

customnesguy

customnesguy

customnesguy

lgarmon

customnesguy

Newsman

customnesguy

Newsman

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