White Outdoor LT-5 Service Manual page 31

15.13. Lift away the steering gear stabilizer plate.
See Figure 15.13.
Holes
near
corners
Figure 15.13
NOTE: The two holes near the corners of the
stabilizer plate should be oriented away from the
steering shaft.
15.14. With the stabilizer plate removed, the steering
gear, spacer, and drag link can be removed.
See Figure 15.14.
Steering shaft in place
Spacer Guide
Hole used for
alignment dowel
Steering gear boss on frame
Figure 15.14
bolt hole
700 SERIES LAWN TRACTORS
15.15. After removal, the steering gear can be held in a
bench vise to remove the drag link using a 1/2"
wrench. See Figure 15.15.
NOTE: drag link off-set and
bushing position
Drag link
Bushing
15.16. The end of the drag link is off-set and coined flat.
The side of the off-set end that is stepped-down
faces away from the steering gear. Otherwise
the drag link will interfere with the frame when
connected to the steering arm and axle.
15.17. There is a removable bushing between the stud
on the steering gear and the drag link. One side
of the bushing is a flat shoulder, the other side is
tapered and barbed. The flat shoulder faces the
gear when installed correctly.
15.18. Assembly notes:
• Replace any locking fasteners that show signs of
wear or reduced locking function. In some
cases, the parts may be thoroughly cleaned and
locked with re leasable thread locking compound
such as Loctite 242 (blue).
• Replace the hex bushing that locates the steer-
ing shaft, the spacer at the center of the steering
gear, and the bushing on the end of the drag link
to tighten-up sloppy steering, in addition to con-
firming that the gears, wheel bearings, and axle
bushings are in good condition.
• Apply grease such as MTD P/N 737-0300A
(Benelene), or anti-seize compound, to the fric-
tion surfaces and teeth of the steering gear on
assembly.
• 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.
27
Figure 15.15