tractor front wheels pointed out

[reynoldston]

I really don't see how you would of bent a tie rod. The reason I say that is they are back of the axle and high. It looks like they would be well protected from hitting something. But for sure check them who knows. Frist thing I would do is jack the front wheels off the ground and rock the wheels back and forth and see if the king pin bushings are worn? If not worn take some measurements from the end of the spindle ears to the wheels.

 

[Carscw]

By looking at the pics this mower has been abused it looks like the right front deck adjuster came off the deck side while mower was going in reverse and bent the brace. I have many craftsman tractors and the weak part of the steering is the tie rod that is made with a little bend in it. And as everyone knows never turn the steering wheel when sitting still. If your going to replace your bushings you can get brass ones

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[reynoldston]

By looking at the pics this mower has been abused it looks like the right front deck adjuster came off the deck side while mower was going in reverse and bent the brace. I have many craftsman tractors and the weak part of the steering is the tie rod that is made with a little bend in it. And as everyone knows never turn the steering wheel when sitting still. If your going to replace your bushings you can get brass ones

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If this is the case I sure would check the tie rods. The picture only shows the ends. Like I said in the very beginning take measurements and think what could cause this. I don't care that is said on this forum and everyone has a good but different ideas. You are the one that has to find the problem or take it to someone you can repair it or maybe you know someone who can help you? To bring the front wheels back straight you will need to make a longer tie rod. I don't know what you have for tools but if it was me and I couldn't find the problem I would cut one of the tie rods make it longer and re-weld it as a last resort.

 

[fastback]

I agree with Renoldston you will be the one that ultimately has to deal witht the repairs. I don't think that king pin bushings would affect toe in and out, mostly camber and caster. I also agree that the problem happen while backing. I certainly wiould look at the tie rod and see if it has a bend. Its only my opinion, but I have never seen a Craftsman with a bend in the tie rod. I have made a number of tie rods with out a problem. If it is bent I believe that you can straighten it and as long as you don't use heat it should hold up.

 

[boston]

Which part is the deck adjuster? Now that you mention it, when I drive with the wheels turned left, the left front wheel scrapes against the deck stopping the tractor. It seems like something is missing holding the deck.

 

[Carscw]

I am going to be nice Take your mower to a shop

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[boston]

I looked at the diagram, I'm going to replace the part

 

[fastback]

I do hope you realize that replacing the deck rod will do nothing for the steering. Don't get me wrong the rod needs to be addressed, but you still need to identify and repair the steering. Like Carscw suggested it might be a good idea to have it looked at by professional.

 

[boston]

I completely agree with that but it costs $100 just for them to look at it

 

[reynoldston]

Just what do you have for skills, tools, and equipment to work on this mower. If it is a screw driver and a pair of pliers it may be time for a shop to look at it. Also when you go to buy any parts you will find they won't be cheap. I find it doesn't take very long to run the bill up to 300 dollars or more fast. There is just so much you are going to get off a forum. Maybe you could find another mower like it just to look at? Is there any mower salvage yards around where you live because they can help you out and parts run about haft price from new. Also maybe you could find another good used mower to replace the one you have? If nothing else keep running the one you have till it quits?