Steering Gear - White Outdoor LT-5 Service Manual

15.

STEERING GEAR

15.1. It is good practice to check the steering gear
whenever a tractor is in for repair:
See Figure 15.1.
Figure 15.1
• Check the alignment in the straight-ahead posi-
tion.
• Turn the wheel to full lock in both directions with
enough force to confirm that the pinion gear is
not slipping.
• Make a visual inspection of the steering gear
and pinion gear, paying particular attention to the
condition of the teeth. If either are worn or dam-
aged, replace both gears and any suspect bush-
ings and hardware.
15.2. The bolt that secures the steering wheel is con-
cealed under the center cap. See Figure 15.2.
Figure 15.2
700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
15.3. To remove the steering wheel, remove the bolt
and belleville washer using a 1/2" wrench.
15.4. Match-mark the steering wheel to the shaft, and
lift the steering wheel off of the splined end of the
steering shaft.
NOTE: The steering wheel need not be
removed to remove the steering shaft / pinion
gear, but the steering shaft support must be.
15.5. To remove the steering shaft support, take out
the three screws that fasten it to the dash panel
using a 3/8" wrench. See Figure 15.5.
Steering shaft support
locator pins
NOTE: The screws are easier to reach if the
cable tie that secures the gas tank is released,
allowing the gas tank to be moved.
15.6. If the steering shaft is to be removed, the screw
and cap that secure it can be removed using a
#4 phillips driver. See Figure 15.6.
Steering shaft end cap
Steering shaft screw
25
Steering shaft
support screws
Figure 15.5
Figure 15.6