Steering Gear Replacement - MTD 700 Series Professional Shop Manual

FOR DISCOUNT PARTS CALL 606-678-9623 OR 606-561-4983
700 Series Lawn Tractor

Steering Gear Replacement

If the steering gear teeth are damaged or missing, the steering gear will need to be replaced. To make the repair
easier, consider moving the fuel tank out of the way and removing the fuel tank brace prior to starting the job. Also
consider disconnecting the wiring harness at the engine connector and moving it out of the way.
To replace the steering gear:
1. If desired, cut the plastic tie and move the fuel tank
out of the way.
2. If desired, remove the four hex screws (two on each
side) that fastens the fuel tank support bracket to the
lower dash panel. Move the bracket out of the way.
3. Optional: Remove the hex screw that fastens the
lower portion of the dash brace to the frame and
remove the brace. See Figure 3.15.
NOTE: Some older model riders do not have this
brace installed. Note that the upper end of
the brace is held in place between the left
dash panel and the fuel tank support
bracket.
4. 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 3.16.
5. To remove the steering gear, loosen and remove
both bolts that hold it in place using a pair of 1/2"
wrenches.
NOTE: The bolt near the center of the steering gear
comes-up from the bottom, with the nut on top. The
shoulder bolt that passes through the curved slot
near the steering shaft installs from the top with the
nut on the bottom.
6. Lift away the steering gear stabilizer plate.
NOTE: The two holes near the corners of the stabi-
lizer plate should be oriented away from the steer-
ing shaft.
16
www.mymowerparts.com
Dash Brace
Figure 3.15
Shoulder bolt through gear
Steering link rod removed
Nut on top
Figure 3.16