Riding Mowers & Tractors: Why is the steering loose on my riding mower?
Mowing is difficult when you can't steer properly. If the steering wheel has too much play, check the tie rods, steering shaft and sector gear assembly. Replace any damaged parts. Problems with the wheels or the front axle can also affect the steering performance. A bent or worn wheel spindle or worn front axle won't allow you to steer the lawn tractor properly.
THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RIDING MOWERS & TRACTORS PROBLEM
Replace the riding mower blade engagement lever
The blade engagement lever pulls the blade clutch cable to spin the blades when you shift the lever to the engaged position. The blades won't spin-read: cut grass-if if the lever breaks. If the blades don't spin, examine the lever and replace it if it's broken.
Riding mower blade engagement lever
Replace the riding mower tie rod
This repair involves removing and replacing the tie rod. If the steering is loose or the wheels don't turn with the steering wheel, then the tie rod may need to be replaced.
Riding mower tie rod
Replace the riding mower steering kit
If the steering for a riding lawn mower is loose or slips when turning the steering wheel, the complete steering kit may need to be removed and replaced.
Riding mower steering kit
Replace the riding mower front axle
Replace the front axle on your riding mower or lawn tractor if the front wheels point outward or the steering is loose.
Riding mower front axle
Replace the riding mower wheel spindle assembly
A bent or damaged wheel spindle won't allow you to steer the riding mower properly. Check the wheel spindles for damage if the front wheels wobble or don't align properly. Replace a spindle if you find damage.
Riding mower wheel spindle assembly
Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors
Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.
Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim…
Main causes: clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key, dirty spark plug, stale fuel, improper valve lash, engine needs a…
Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, …
Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly…
Main causes: engine overfilled with oil, leaky head gasket or sump gasket, damaged carburetor seals, cracked fuel pump, …
Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…
Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…
Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components…
Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…
Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors
These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.
How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire
Your mower can’t run on a damaged rear tire. Here’s how to install a new one.…
How to replace a riding lawn mower blade
If a blade on your mower is dull or bent, replace it following the steps in this repair guide.…
How to replace a riding lawn mower fuel filter
Help your mower run better by replacing the fuel filter during your riding mower's annual tune-up.…
Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors
Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.
Learn about all the convenient features on our Sears PartsDirect website that make your parts purchases easier.…
Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…
Check the starter solenoid, starter motor, wiring, battery and engine.…