STEERING
12
Steering shaft and hex bushing
To remove the steering shaft or to replace the hex
bushing:
1. Remove the cutting deck by following the steps
described in Chapter 8: Cutting Decks and Lift
Shaft
2. Jack up the front end of the tractor and securely
place on jack stands.
3. Remove the steering wheel
3a. Remove the cover from the center of the
steering wheel. See Figure 3.15.
NOTE: The cover can be released by prying-in
on the lock-tabs on the under-side of the steer-
ing wheel. See Figure 3.16.
3b. Remove the bolt that holds the steering
wheel to the steering shaft using a 1/2”
wrench.
3c. Lift the steering wheel off of the steering
shaft.
4. Remove the flange lock nut securing the steer-
ing pinion gear to the steering shaft using an
11/16” socket. See Figure 3.17.
NOTE: If the steering shaft rotates while remov-
ing the nut, insert a pin punch or a #2 phillips
screwdriver into the alignment hole in the steer-
ing gear. This will lock the steering shaft in place,
allowing the nut to be removed.
5. Slide the steering pinion gear off of the steering
shaft.
Figure 3.15
Figure 3.16
Figure 3.17
Steering Pinion Gear
Flange Lock Nut
Alignment hole