All of us already know the usefulness of a riding lawnmower. But regular maintenance is a must while using a riding lawn mower.
One of the most important mechanics in riding lawnmowers is steering and handling. Perfect handling enables you to execute precise bends in your garden, resulting in a better overall grass finish.
But, one of the most common problems a riding lawnmower faces is the steering problem, and today we got the perfect solution for how to fix steering on Riding Lawn Mower.
We will divide the work into 6 basic steps to fix riding lawn mower steering problems: The steps are as follows:
- Tire pressure check
- Checking the steering gear
- Replacement of damaged bushings
- Replacement of damaged bearings, washers, and shafts
- Checking the drag linkage
- Testing
Causes of Steering Problems
Steering problems in a riding lawn mower can be caused due to various reasons.
How to Fix Steering on Riding Lawnmower
So now we will break each of the steps in detail that we have mentioned above so you can understand what you need to do exactly to fix riding lawn mower steering problems.
Safety Measures
Since you are working with a heavy-duty mechanical machine, it is important that you should keep proper safety measures.
Working with such a machine can cause you physical harm if you do not follow the safety precautions properly.
SAFETY CHECKS
- Wear proper and sturdy shoes.
- Remember to wear proper safety gloves especially while handling sharp parts.
- Make sure to turn the ignition off and always disconnect the spark plug cable.
- Use proper lubrication oils to loosen bearings, screws, and bolts.
Step 1: Beginning The Fixing Process
At the first park, you need to park your riding mower on a flat surface, after parking simply remove the spark plug cable so that your mower doesn’t start unwantedly.
Do not forget to pull the lever to disconnect the mower blades. Remove the ignition key as well.
Now you will need to adjust the mower’s wheels; straighten out your mower’s wheels.
Make sure the steering wheel is pointed forward. The steering wheel should be in the middle position as it is by default.
Step 2: Tire Pressure Check
Just like with any other car, tire pressure is very important. To check the tire pressure you can use a pressure gauge; if the pressure is too low or too high, you will have a very hard time moving the lawnmower perfectly.
You can find the perfect pressure requirement for your riding mower’s tire in the user manual. According to the manual fill the tire with air or release some air if the pressure is high than the required pressure.
For a normal riding lawnmower, the recommended tire pressure by the experts are 10 PSI for the rear tires and 14 PSI for the front tires.
Step 3: Steering Gears
One of the most important components that allow us to steer is the steering gear. You will have difficulty steering if it is damaged or broken.
Your riding mower will be hard to steer. Because the steering gear controls the entire steering system.
If you strike a tree, rock, or brick while mowing, the steering gear may become dislodged.
You will find a bolt that holds the steering gear, what you need to do is loosen this bolt and turn the steering wheel to the left.
When the equipment is returned to its original place, it will make a popping sound.
Tighten the bolt after hearing the sound. It means the gear is broken and needs to be replaced with a new one.
Step 4: Replace The Bushings that are Damaged
You can find the bushings placed just below the steering gear and they are used to keep the bolts in place.
It is often seen that when these bushings are damaged, they can cause a serious amount of vibrations in the gear shaft.
To replace it, unscrew the nut that keeps the gear sector in place.
Remove the gear sector from the machine, then the bushings.
Reattach the gear sector and tighten the nut as needed after inserting the new one.
Step 5: Replace Damaged Bearings, Washers, and Shafts
Even though bearings, washers are very small yet small damage in them cause a serious problem in your riding mower steering. So, let us see how we can replace them easily.
Replacing Shafts
You all should know that shafts are responsible for rotary motion from the steering wheel to the gearbox. Now let’s see how we can replace them.
To begin, remove the mower deck, steering wheel, sprocket, and gas tank from the machine.
After that lift the mower’s front end and remove the spring clip on the steering shaft using pliers.
Remove the post-tensioning bolts, the washers, and the old shaft. Also, inspect the washers. If they’re damaged, you’ll need to replace them.
Reinstall the bolts and move the shaft up through the bushing after reinstalling the shaft and washers.
Reinstall the gasoline tank after lowering the mower and installing spring clips.
Reassemble the steering wheel and tighten it properly.
Replacing Bearings
Bearings are responsible for lubrication to turn the shafts. When Bearings are damaged, you will see that the shaft oscillates eccentrically.
To replace the damaged bearings first remove the dust cover and break the ring that holds the wheel in place.
Pull the wheels from the axle and remove the bearings.
Grease is used to keep the bearings running smoothly. Grease them from the inside as well as the outside. Apply lubrication to the inside of the wheel as well.
When you’re finished, replace the wheel.
Step 6: Lawnmower Linkages
Linkages are simply just rods that are attached to the steering box.
Depending on the kind of mower, they are linked in various ways.
To replace them, you must first determine your lawnmower’s model. Any damage to these connections will compromise the steering of your mower.
As a result, they require prompt replacement.
You’ll need to locate the connector mounting places for this. Each end is equipped with fasteners.
Remove these bolts and replace the linkage with a new one.
Step 7: Testing
By now you should have removed and replaced all the faulty parts.
It is now time to test drive your riding lawnmower.
As usual, start your lawnmower. Begin to move your lawnmower around.
Check the lawnmower’s steering to check whether it’s broken.
If you followed the instructions above, the problem should be resolved.
Final Words
Having steering problems of riding lawn mower is not uncommon and fixing this problem is not tedious work.
Hence, we wrote this article to teach you how to fix steering on a riding lawnmower.
If you follow all the steps that we have mentioned above, you should have no problem fixing steering issues.
The number of pieces and links involved with it is rather large.
As a result, determining which part is faulty and hence requires replacement is usually difficult.
To avoid such issues with your lawnmower, always drive cautiously and avoid hitting rocks or other obstacles, since this might loosen and destroy key components.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Fix a Loose Steering Wheel on The Riding Mower?
It is a very common problem for the steering wheel to get loose and the wheels to stop moving.
The problem is the tie rod and you will need to replace this tie road and your problem should be fixed.
Where Can I Find The Replacement Parts?
The replacement parts for every riding lawn mower are easily available in the market. To find the perfect fit you can even knock the manufacturing brand for your riding lawn mower and they will provide you with the replacement parts.
How to Check The Correct Tire Pressure?
You can measure the correct tire pressure using a pressure gauge and it is important that the tire pressure stays correct.
You can find the perfect required air pressure in the manual. Lawnmower tire pressure is usually measured in pounds per square inch (PSI).
For a normal riding lawnmower, the factory setting is 10 PSI for the rear tires and 14 PSI for the front tires.
