2006 LT1050 not turning yo the left

[Medlink]

It turns to the right just fine, no problems. It even turns to the left a little, but mostly it kind of pops or skips to the left without turning much. Any ideas?

It did appsar that the ball joint on the left side was worn so I replaced it . It may have helped a little but the problem is still there.

 

[rcbe]

Get the full model number and serial number from the plate located in the cavity under the tilting seat. Go the the MTD Manual Archive website (google it) - follow instructions to download free copy of parts list.
You will see an exploded diagram of the strg linkage - suspect your problem is in the gear and sector mesh vs a ball joint. May hafta pull deck out to get a good look at what's going on up under frame. If you replace either gear or sector, replace both as a matched pair new.

 

[7254t]

replace the hex bushing the steering rod goes into and you will be fine!

 

[Medlink]

Thanks for the tip on the parts manual! That is a huge help. I found a had a couple of things going on. I thought you might want to know how I fixed it also.

Turns out I didn't have to remove the mower deck, that was very cool. I did find that my drag link bushings were worn out. There is also some wear on my drag links and the bolts where they attach to the steering gear. They are kind of 'wallered out'. I included a picture, you can see it a little on the right edge bolt hole of the drag link. I custom made some new bushings and they are good and snug now. You can see them in the same picture just not as clearly. The 2 big hard plastic flat washers can't be missed. The bushing in the drag link hole is the same hard white plastic. I also replaced my other ball joint on the right side since they came as a set.

I also found that the pinion gear was slipping over the steering gear. I could see that the teeth on the pinion gear were showing some wear. Since there was no getting it this weekend, I pulled it off and flipped it over. It seems to be OK for now. At least it will hold up until the replacement gear comes in.

I have ordered the pinion gear and the two drag link bushings. I don't think I will need them for a while but at least I will have them on hand when the next failure occurs.

Thanks for all the help!

 

[rcbe]

Keep that frt end lubed and those frt tires aired up to keep heavy strg forces off yer machine and you may well get another cuppla seasons before having to do major surgery...