Help 2500 Series Steering problem?

wfapple · May 9, 2006

After just over 12 hours on my GT 2544 the steering seized right up. A (2/27/2006) supplement sheet to the Operator's Manual says the steering housing must be lubricated after every 25 hours of operation! WoW, is there something wrong here with the steering?? That seems very, very frequent to me. Anyways, the retailer that I bought it from is looking at the steering now. But after shelling out $3,400 plus tax for a 'reliable' machine I feel burned already. Any comments or suggestions on what to say to my retailer?? Anyone else have same problem with steering??
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JTKub · May 9, 2006

Is this a 2005 or 2006 model year machine?
Joel

wfapple · May 9, 2006

3/2006 DOM /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

JTKub · May 9, 2006

Could you tell if it was locked up from one of the steering knuckles or the rack/pinion deal? There's really not much to the steering. Maybe a rock or stick got jambed between the rack & pinion or a ball joint let loose on one of the tie rods? The steering on the 2006's is all new. Keep us posted.

Joel

wfapple · May 9, 2006

I looked it all over and could not find anything prohibiting steering. Mowing was primarily on an open field and the steering gradually got tighter. I removed the panel/shield to view lube locations and all looked fine. Mowed great but would like to turn left or right!

Bob_Bainbridge · May 9, 2006

( A (2/27/2006) supplement sheet to the Operator's Manual says the steering housing must be lubricated after every 25 hours of operation! WoW, is there something wrong here with the steering?? That seems very, very frequent to me. )

That's nothing - the manual for my 54 inch deck says to lube the 3 spindles and idler pulley every 10 hours and the wheels, drive shaft etc. every 50 hours. 10 hours - that's like every 2d or 3d time I mow the yard. I'm lubing the deck once a year just like I did the 44R that lasted 17 years before the shell rusted out and another 9 years after I replaced the shell until I traded it in.

Bob B.

gamble77 · May 9, 2006

*****There is a service advisory on this problem. The grease zerk that is on the unit now is not properly positioned. Please tell you dealer that there IS INDEED A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM******

JSharp · May 9, 2006

( *****There is a service advisory on this problem. The grease zerk that is on the unit now is not properly positioned. Please tell you dealer that there IS INDEED A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM****** )

Is this a problem with all the '06 2500 series?

Fordlords · May 10, 2006

Insist that a brand new steering housing be installed under warranty. If it seized up because the grease zerk was not positioned right not allowing grease to get to the gears, the housing is likely to be damaged. It is an expensive part, but one that should not be compromised if the bulletin only calls for repositioning the fitting and squirting grease in it again until it moves. I can easily see that causing the gears to have a lot of premature play in them a few years down the yard from the initial damage.

Also tell retailer that while all this is taking place, you have nothing to cut your grass with and its growing 5 inches a day!- Should you send the lawn service bill to MTD or do you get a loaner?

-Fordlords-
Gotta get your money's worth!

gamble77 · May 10, 2006

The Service advisory is CC-515, here is part of what it states...

"PURPOSE: Allow easier access to the grease fitting to lubricate the steering shaft in the cast iron steering housing
and allow grease to penetrate the lower portion of the shaft instead of the upper portion."

Models Affected:
GT 2542 (14A-2D2G710), GT 2544 (14A-2C7L710)
GT 2550 (14A-2E7P710), GT 2554 (14A-2A7K710)

Serial Number Range Affected:

1L055G Through 1L145G (December 5, 2005 Through December 14, 2005). 1A026G Through 1B216G (January 2, 2006 Through February 21, 2006).
NOTE: Units built 1L155G Through 1L235G (December 15, 2005 Through December 23, 2005 were made with a solid steel steering housing. These units do not require any rework.