How to replace Husqvarna GTH24V52LS gear sector plate

[catbuttfarm]

Hi tractor heads,

I'm relatively handy with tools but have very little experience repairing a garden tractor. I live on six rolling and sort of challenging acres on Vashon Island and have managed to break several teeth on one side of the gear sector plate. The teeth on the end of the steering shaft appear to ok as all other turning is tight and controlled. Consequently I can only turn so far to the left which requires sorta thought out decisions for tricky/tight areas. I'd rather just motor along enjoying whats in the cup holder than calculating my turns. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts on this? I would really not like to have to remove the whole dash assembly to get at the lock nut, etc. but if necessary this tractor novice would love a walk through.

Thanks,
Tony
Cat Butt Farm

 

[RandyT]

Remove the deck, and then blow out the area around the steering sector gear. You should be able to feel the nut on top of the plate were the bolt goes through the sector gear from the bottom. Put a box end wrench on that nut, and then loosen the bolt securing it to the mounting plate. After lowering the gear, then you should be able to get to the nuts on the two steering drag links. Reassembly would be the reverse of disassembly but feeling around on top of that plate to position the nut can be fun but not too bad.