Repair Pony Steering

[handygeek]

Replacement spline and sleeve arrived late yesterday but we had company.

I just went to remove the old spline and it was suddenly clear that removal & replacement aren't so clear ...

How much of this thing to I have to disassemble to get this done, please?

Thanks ...

 

[handygeek]

Make a habit of lubricating these parts with bearing grease and just brush it on. Don't use that lithium grease. Use petroleum based grease.:

Why prefer petroleum-based grease over lithium, please?

Just curious.

 

[handygeek]

What about Sta-Lube Multi-Purpose Marine Grease?

It uses "heavy" mineral oil, aluminum benzoate, etc.

 

[handygeek]

It's all reassembled and working - thanks for the assist!

I found that disconnecting the shelf for the fuel tank & setting it aside on the front tire (no need to disconnect or drain),
disconnecting the shelf/spline above that (though which the steering shaft passes) & bending that some,
I was able to slide the shaft/spline out and the new one in at an angle.

While the shaft/spline was disconnected I made sure that the front wheel assembly turned freely, spraying "dry"
lubricant (molybendum/teflon) into the joints.

BTW: I used vice grips on the shaft/spline screw at the bottom.

Steering is nice and smooth & I was able to get a bunch of mowing done until a t-storm arrived.