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Craftsman Lawn Mower Model#917258860 won't turn left

15 years ago

I just bought a Craftsman Lawn Mower with a 46" deck, and a 18 hp motor, the only problem is that the lawm mower will turn right with ease, but when it turns left it is hopping of the gears, and now has stripped out the gears. I replaced the steering shaft, the gear, and the draglink going to the fron tires and it hasn't corrected the problem. Any idea of what else it could be? I am running out of things to check, the only thing left that it could be is that the lawn mower leans to the left a little, and I am wondering if that is what is causing the gears to "hop" when I turn the mower to the left.

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rustyj14

9 years ago

A friend gave me a C-man lawn tractor-said it would only turn left, said he ran into a tree with it because of the problem! So, I replaced the worm and sector, and now it turns correctly. And, he got mad because I fixed it, and didn't give it back to him! Nice machine! RJ

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Comments (9)

bill_kapaun
15 years ago
It's probably part#5 :-)
{{gwi:132720}}
tomplum
15 years ago
The bushings that hold the steering shaft and sector gear shaft should likely have been replaced as well. They need to support the sector solidly. Next, move to the front axle. Do the wheel spindles move smoothly and is there any sign of bent spindles.It is easier to view/ measure with the center of the axle supported and the front wheels off. I assume you would have noticed if the axle was split.
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russph3
Original Author
15 years ago
The diagram that you included in your response is for the rear axle, I am confused as to why you are saying to replace the bushings in the rear axle. I have checked the bushings in the bracket that hold the shaft and gear and they are tight. As fars as the axle goes, I have checked the axle and I can't find nothing wrong with it.
bill_kapaun
15 years ago
I misunderstood your post and got the impression it was a rear wheel drive problem.
And those aren't bushings.
bobbob33
9 years ago
I have same model tractor ,I rebuilt steering new flange bearing sector gear all bushings steering shaft looked good also have to tighten font axel ,that comes lose .
rustyj14
9 years ago

Well, Heck, he told me he didn't want it--keep it! That was last summer. Ain't speaking yet-ain't paid me for the parts yet, either. Way he talked-he didn't want it back! RJ Ain't getting it back, either.
iaddington
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
I have craftsman 46 in deck 18.5 hp that needs a main drive belt , not a deck belt, anybody know the length ? Thanks KennyKenny
rustyj14
7 years ago
Ya take the old belt to the place that sells Craftsman belts, and match it up. I buy my belts from a local mower parts place. They measure the old belt, then match it up to a new belt. I never have to take the old belt, but i take it anyway, as sometimes the store needs it for a sample.

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