MTD 700 Series Professional Shop Manual page 25

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Steering Link Rod Replacement
Flanged Lock Nut
Loosen jam nut
Bushing
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Figure 3.19
Remove steering arm
Figure 3.20
Steering Link Rod
Figure 3.21
If the right wheel strikes an object hard enough, the
steering link could bend. If the steering link rod is bent,
inspect the other components for damage and replace as
necessary.
To replace the steering link rod:
1. Raise the hood to gain access to the steering compo-
nents behind the engine.
2. If desired, move the fuel tank and the fuel tank sup-
port bracket out of the way. See instructions in the
steering gear replacement section of this chapter.
3. Remove the flange lock nut that fastens the steering
link rod to the steering gear. Lift the rod up and out of
the way. See Figure 3.19.
NOTE: There is a flange bushing inserted through the hole
in the rod. Inspect for wear and replace if needed.
Note the orientation of the steering rod and bush-
ing.
4. Loosen the jam nut that locks the ball joint in position
on the steering arm at the front axle. Hold the ball
joint using a 1/2" wrench, and loosen the nut using an
11/16" wrench. Back the jam nut away from the ball
joint a few turns.
5. Remove the steering arm from the axle as described
in the axle bushing replacement procedure.
NOTE: This is preferable to separating the ball joint from
the steering arm because the center-locking nut
that secures the ball joint to the steering arm dis-
torts the threads on installation. If you choose to
remove the ball joint from the steering arm you will
need to replace it.
6. Unscrew the ball joint from the steering link rod.
NOTE: Make note of the orientation of the rod during dis-
assembly.
7. Install a new flange bushing in the new steering arm.
See Figure 3.21.
8. Install the rod in the reverse order of disassembly.
NOTE: The end of the steering link is off-set and coined
flat. The side of the off-set end that is stepped-
down faces away from the steering gear. Other-
wise the drag link will interfere with the steering
gear when connected to the steering arm and axle.
9. Perform a front wheel alignment as described in the
next section.
Steering and Front Axle
19