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  #1  
Old 08-03-2024, 05:55 PM
RCLivingston RCLivingston is offline
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Default 102 steering problem

Gentlemen! (and Ladies)...
I was driving along, cutting the grass happily, when my steering wheel suddenly felt all loose-like. I could wiggle it side to side a bit without actually turning the wheel. Then, I turned it to one direction to go around a tree, and then the other direction wherein the action suddenly felt very effortless. For an instant I thought wow! Great bearings in there...but alas, I immediately was struck with the sensationn of the tractor continuing to move forward in a straight line...as if it had a mind of its own! I had no steering! I pushed it back to the garage, noting that both wheels still turn together if you turn either front wheel by hand.
The steering wheel turns a couple turns and stops, then does the same thing if turned in opposite direction.
So I am wondering what might have disconnected in the train of movement?
I have ordered one of those front lifts so I can eventually get under there and have a look see. But I was just wondering what ideas any of you knowledgeable folks might throw out there...
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  #2  
Old 08-03-2024, 07:53 PM
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ironman ironman is offline
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This is your steering system. Obviously something broke but we'd just be guessing until you provide more info.
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  #3  
Old 08-04-2024, 01:14 AM
RCLivingston RCLivingston is offline
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Default re: steering problem on my 102

Yup. I'll have to get the lift delivered and take a look underneath. I looked also at a steering box rebuild post here and that made it a lot clearer as to how the system works. I am guessing right now that possibly the fitting connecting the arm (part 5 on the diagram) on the steering box has busted off in some fashion, so When I take the mower and undercarriage off (I'd like to clean those up and paint them anyway) I can actually get the machine lifted off the ground enough so that the crux of the biscuit shall be revealed!
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Old 08-04-2024, 09:30 AM
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ironman ironman is offline
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I happen to have one apart. It could be possible that your weld broke loose on the bolt head side.
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  #5  
Old 08-04-2024, 05:52 PM
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You'd probably have noticed if the tie rod end or drag link ball joints had failed, so that pretty much leaves the steering box.


Did the "follower" loosen up and fall out? Did the side plate fall off?
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Old 08-04-2024, 08:21 PM
RCLivingston RCLivingston is offline
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Default re: re: the steering problem on my 102

Well, I have found the issue!
The upper end of the rod (drag link?) (part 16 on the diagram of the steering system kindly provided by Ironman) that connects the arm on the steering box (part no. 5) to the left front wheel spindle, had a castle nut on it and a cotter pin. Both the cotter pin and castle nut have gone on permanent vacation. Thusly, that upper rod end (part 15 on the diagram of the steering system) decided it no longer wished to be attached to the the steering box arm (part number 5). For now, the rod end (part 15) has been put back in its hole but is presently nutless.
When I get my lift (next week) I'll be able to figure out whether the threads are still intact. I'm over 60 and getting this stuff closer to waist level will make things a whole bunch more fun to fix!

If the threads are good, All I need do is obtain the appropriately sized/threaded castle nut and pin, and all will be well! If the threads on part 15 are messed up then i'l need to remove the rod and replace part 15 with a new one.
By the way, does anyone know offhand the size and thread type of the castle nut to fasten part 15 to part 5?
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Old 08-04-2024, 08:43 PM
RCLivingston RCLivingston is offline
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You'd probably have noticed if the tie rod end or drag link ball joints had failed, so that pretty much leaves the steering box.


Did the "follower" loosen up and fall out? Did the side plate fall off? True I think that would be a noticeable thing! And thankfully, none of those things happened.
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Old 08-05-2024, 08:44 AM
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Good!

The drag link is an easy fix!
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  #9  
Old 08-05-2024, 08:55 AM
finsruskw finsruskw is offline
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May as well replace both the ends on the drag link and while you are at it check the ones on the tie rod ends for excess play and replace if necessary.

Grease and adjust the steering box as well and check and repack the bearings on the wheels too.
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  #10  
Old 08-05-2024, 09:35 AM
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I'll add to your "to do' list besides the rod ends.... steering arm on top of left spindle tends to get sloppy loose and should be addressed. While you are at that, pull both spindles, clean the old dried out grease (shaft and bore) and reassemble with new grease..... You'll feel like you added power steering after this remedy!
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