Craftsman Model 247.288851 (2011year) Sloppy steering
- Thread starter RoscoP
- Start date
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
There is two areas of concern here.
One is the steering shaft bushing. Item #16 It tends to wear egg shape. In order to replace this bushing you will need a hi torque #4 Phillips (cross point) bit and a good impact as it has a red loctite patch on the screw.
The other area is item #4 (3/8-16 x 1.00 Gr8) which is a fully threaded cap screw. It should be replaced with a partial threaded cap screw as the threads get smushed over time allowing the sector plate item #1 to move back and forth before moving item #17. You want this unthreaded portion to be just short of the full length of the bushing and frame hole thickness but where you can still tighten it fully. Usually this screw will need to be inserted from the frame side instead as pictured. Now if this has been left loose too long then the hole in the frame may be damage and would need to repaired too. depending when MTD change this the hole may be squared for a carriage bolt or not.
One is the steering shaft bushing. Item #16 It tends to wear egg shape. In order to replace this bushing you will need a hi torque #4 Phillips (cross point) bit and a good impact as it has a red loctite patch on the screw.
The other area is item #4 (3/8-16 x 1.00 Gr8) which is a fully threaded cap screw. It should be replaced with a partial threaded cap screw as the threads get smushed over time allowing the sector plate item #1 to move back and forth before moving item #17. You want this unthreaded portion to be just short of the full length of the bushing and frame hole thickness but where you can still tighten it fully. Usually this screw will need to be inserted from the frame side instead as pictured. Now if this has been left loose too long then the hole in the frame may be damage and would need to repaired too. depending when MTD change this the hole may be squared for a carriage bolt or not.
Last edited:
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
Yes everything is there but that won't tell if the bushing or pivot screw is worn. While turn the steering back and forth you got to see if there is any abnormal movement. If that happen and draglink #17 don't move then that play must be removed.
The problem you describe is a common problem with this particular MTD steering system which why I replace the bushing and screw on a lot the mower here. It also why I stock the parts so I don't have to wait a week for the parts to show up.
The problem you describe is a common problem with this particular MTD steering system which why I replace the bushing and screw on a lot the mower here. It also why I stock the parts so I don't have to wait a week for the parts to show up.
Sorry, I’m 1100 miles from my mower and will be until early April. I’ll try to resurect this thread when I get home.
I appreciate all of the effort you put into helping people solve problems.
StarTech
Lawn Royalty
You mean they did as they have kill the Simplicity line along the Snapper line.
UPDATED: Briggs Discontinues Simplicity & Snapper Tractors, Zero-Turns in North America
Briggs & Stratton has cut staff and announced the departure of its power business unit President Brian Hazelton, according to a Sept. 15 report from The Milwaukee Business Journal.
www.rurallifestyledealer.com