Craftsman LT1000 steering replacement help needed

[bkenobi]

I have a Craftsman DLT tractor (917.272201) that has a bad steering assembly. I had a different model LT1000 in the past and swapped the assembly easily in an hour or so. On that model, I only had to pull the fuel tank, pull the steering wheel, remove the 4 screws and linkage bolt. I assumed this would be pretty much the same, but for some reason it's not. On this model, the battery is under the hood where the fuel tank was on the other model. So I have to pull the battery and battery shelf, but then the issue was seen. This tractor has a bracket with a bushing half way up the steering shaft (presumably to help stabilize the steering and prevent it from wearing out). There isn't a split steering shaft and with the engine in place, I don't think there's enough room to sneak the steering assembly out.

I was curious what the best approach is here. It looks like I might be able to remove the instrument cluster down to the deck but that's a lot of disassembly. I could pull the engine, but that's a lot of work since who knows which bolts will be seized. Is there something I'm missing or is this really a huge job? Alternately, I could disassemble the steering and reassemble in place. That seems like a good way to run into other problems like how do I get things torqued without breaking other things.

If the question isn't clear enough, I can take a few pictures of what I've got. And not that it matters particularly, but the engine on this unit was swapped for a opposed twin instead of the V-twin that was stock. The engine is still blocking things either way so can't imagine that changes anything.

 

[bkenobi]

I've seen a lot of videos that show ways to do this job on various tractors (most seem to do strange things actually). One did show how the side plate on the steering pedestal is removable on some units so I'll see if that works on mine since that would solve the issue.

 

[tomplum]

I think you'll be OK. This is one of this things you just have to be there to know. Might need the battery box out.

 

[bkenobi]

This tractor has what they call a steering bushing (or steering clearance shaft bushing) half way up the shaft. I don't know how tight it should be but seems like replacing that would be a good idea. Any thoughts on if slight play in that bushing would make any real difference in longevity of the rack assembly?

I got the side plate loose but haven't pulled it off since it seems wedged in between the front plate of the pedestal and the body panel and the deck height adjust rod is not helping. I'll have to look closer before I break something. In any case, I will have lots more room to work with once I get that out.

 

[bkenobi]

I looked again quickly this morning and saw it was just a small bushing on the deck height adjust shaft holding things up. I pulled that out and the side came off. I should just have to get the linkage nut off of the steering rod and I can pull it apart this evening.

 

[bkenobi]

I was able to get everything apart and installed a new shaft support (the plastic guide that links the steering shaft to the sector gear). I also replaced the steering bushing even though it seemed reasonably ok since it was easy to do at the time. When I got it back together, I decided to take it for a drive prior to reinstalling the deck. Turns out, the new parts make the shaft and sector gear wear too much to fully engage.

I've looked around and it appears there is a very limited set of places to get the steering assembly for this part (167905). There are lots of options to purchase the split steering shaft version (167902) and for much less. Is there much difference between them other than the steering shaft itself? If I can get a steering shaft for this tractor (156543) can I just source the other assembly and swap the shaft? I'm not sure that saves much money but it would make getting the assembly a little easier.

 

[tomplum]

I mean, you're probably right. The design of the sector itself doesn't seem to vary much. Me, if I have a steering issue with one- it just gets replaced. When you can't find one, there isn't much else one can do. Compare the IPLs from your old one?

 

[bkenobi]

Yes, in the past I just replaced the whole assembly on my last tractor a couple times (1st time worn out, 2nd time shattered half-moon gear teeth). I was able to locate an assembly from a small online store that looked a little questionable. I'm sure I could have sourced from my local dealer, but last time I bought a part I was installing from them, they upcharged an extra 50%.

From what I've read (which isn't exhaustive), the two assemblies are essentially the same except one has a different end to the steering shaft and maybe length (and possibly a different shaft diameter). The main reason I was considering is that I couldn't find a reputable dealer for my assembly but I did find an OEM shaft on ebay. The other assembly is readily available and for as low as $50 aftermarket whereas this one is hard to find and can cost up to $200. In the end, I ordered it for about half that shipped so I'll just replace the whole thing.

I wish there had been a way to test it without reassembling everything first though!

 

[bkenobi]

I'm still waiting to see if Discount Online Parts will be sending the assembly. The old one has somewhat worn gears on both sides but seemed good enough that just replacing the plastic guide would work. I was surprised that after reassembling there was no mating of the gears when under load. Either i misaligned something during assembly or the slop in the system previously made things work better (seems unlikely). Since I'm waiting anyway, i guess i can see which it is!

 

[bkenobi]

Well I wish I had looked at that part closer. The plastic guide isn't centered. So i think i just have to flip it around and I'll be good. Too bad its a pain to get to!