have a sears 42 inch rider .The steering was loose so I bought a new kit .Doing the tare down took the wheel off but can not get the 5 inch metal piece off the shaft where the wheel comes off .Is there a trick to it .Thanks for the help.
#2
Carscw
Mine has a set screw I just tap it with a hammer Are you going to replace the shaft if not then no need to pull the wheel off
I just rebuilt the steering in my 1989 Craftsman II, GT. I am not sure if all of the steering system are the same, but both my 89 and 96 have an aluminum casting that supports and retains the steering wheel. I found that the casting had oxidized and was frozen on the steering shaft. I ended up using a small wheel puller to remove the piece. I am sure a puller could be fabicated easily. Make sure you use some penetrating oil before starting the removal process.
By the way what did you get in the steering kit? I expect you got a couple of nylon bushings. One of the problems with this system is the upper bushing slides up, they only use a plastice clamp to keep it in place. I ended up cutting a slot in the steering shaft on the lathe for an e-clip. I think this will work better to keep the bushing in place. Oh, while I was at it, I also added 3 grease fittings so I could lubricate from time to time. Right now the system is working well.
#4
Dangeroustoys56
My 99 weedeater tractor had a steering issue - when turning the wheel, it would 'jump gears' and not turn at all - come to find out the plastic "T" where the shaft and arm come together were plain worn out - i fixed it by using a wood spade bit, opened the bores in the plastic evenly , then used a few copper couplings cut down to fit it tight , greased it up and put it back together - worked great and was a free fix. I wasnt totally sure i could get a new piece and knowing sears, itd cost an arm and a leg.
