How to replace a steering shaft bearing on a riding lawn mower

Ever felt like you’re taking your riding lawn mower on a wild rodeo ride rather than a peaceful trim through the greens? If turning the wheel feels like arm-wrestling an octopus, then it might be time to replace the steering shaft bearing.

The steering shaft bearing is part of your lawn mower’s steering system and keeps the steering wheel moving smoothly. Over time, the steering shaft bearing may wear out or get damaged due to regular use, dirt, or lack of lubrication.

You can save a lot of money by repairing your riding lawn mower yourself. And the best part? You don’t need to be an expert mechanic to do it.

You can find a replacement steering shaft bearing kit here. You can also find a replacement flange bearing here if your mower needs one. If you need other replacement parts for your lawn mower, just enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to find them. It’s that easy! Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Let’s get started!

Disclaimer: The part replacement information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

READ MORE: How To Find Your Appliance’s Model Number

Signs of a faulty steering shaft bearing

If you notice any of the following symptoms while using your lawn mower, it likely means you’ve got a bad steering shaft bearing:

Steering play

If you notice excessive play or free movement in the steering wheel and/or it doesn’t respond immediately, it may indicate wear or damage to the bearing.

Stiff or difficult steering

A stiff or hard-to-turn steering wheel can also be a sign of a faulty steering shaft bearing. The bearing may be binding or resisting. You might also notice difficulty maintaining a straight path.

Unusual or excessive noises while steering

You might hear unusual squeaking, grinding, or clicking noises when you turn the steering wheel.

Vibrations while steering

Excessive vibrations or wobbling in the steering wheel, especially when driving over uneven terrain, can be a result of a damaged or worn steering shaft bearing.

Uneven tire wear

You might notice that one tire is showing significantly more wear than the other.

What you need

• Wrench set
• Socket wrench
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Pliers
• Wheel chocks
• Replacement steering shaft bearing (make sure it’s compatible with your mower model)

Disclaimer: The specific tools required may vary depending on the model of your appliance and the type of fasteners used on it. Always consult the user manual or refer to any specific instructions provided by the manufacturer for the recommended tools for your appliance model.

Safety precautions

• Always power off and unplug your mower or switch off the circuit breaker before attempting any maintenance or replacement work. This keeps you safe by preventing any risk of injury from electric shock.
• Wear insulated work gloves to protect your hands from sharp metal parts, pinching hazards and debris.
• Take your time and don’t rush while working to prevent accidents and personal injuries.
• Work in a well-lit area so you can clearly see and access the interior parts.
• Clear your workspace of clutter and other obstacles. Keep children and pets away from the work area.
• Never work on internal parts with bare wet hands. Make sure the work area is completely dry.
• Check your user manual to see if there are specific installation or safety instructions for your part or mower.
• Be gentle when handling or removing parts. Excessive force might damage the mower or cause injury.
• Wear safety glasses when working with chemicals, dust or cleaning large debris to prevent injury.
• If the mower has recently been used, give it plenty of time for any heating parts to cool down before working on it.

Read more: Must-Have Tools for Appliance Repair – DIY For Beginners

Replacement steps

Step 1 – Disassemble the mower

1. Make sure the mower is turned off.
2. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels for added safety.
3. If your mower has a steering wheel cap or cover, carefully remove it by unscrewing or prying it off.
4. Underneath the cap or cover, find the retaining nut or bolt that holds the steering wheel to the shaft. Use an appropriate wrench or socket wrench to loosen and remove this nut or bolt.
5. Gently slide the steering wheel off the shaft and set it aside.
6. Locate the steering shaft bearing housing. It’s usually directly underneath the steering wheel.
7. Inspect the steering shaft bearing housing for any retaining clips, bolts, or screws that are holding it in place. Remove these fasteners using the appropriate tools.
8. Carefully slide the steering shaft bearing housing off the shaft.

Step 2 – Install the new steering shaft bearing

1. Position the new bearing onto the steering shaft by aligning it with the grooves or notches on the shaft.
2. Slide the steering shaft bearing housing over the new bearing. Make sure it fits snugly and aligns with the mounting holes or slots.
3. Insert the retaining clips, bolts, or screws back into their original positions to secure the steering shaft bearing housing to the lawn mower chassis. Tighten them.
4. Reinstall the steering wheel by positioning it back onto the steering shaft and aligning it with the splines on the shaft.
5. Reinstall the retaining nut or bolt onto the steering shaft. Tighten it firmly.
6. Place the steering wheel cap or cover back over the steering wheel.
7. Turn the wheel to see if it moves smoothly.
8. Lower the cutting deck to the desired cutting height by using the deck height adjustment lever or switch.
9. Start the lawn mower’s engine and check for any problems while steering.

Additional reading

Thanks for reading! We hope this guide helped you replace the steering shaft bearing on your riding lawn mower.

If you still need some replacement parts, grab your model number and head over to AppliancePartsPros.com. We offer over two million parts and most orders arrive in two business days. If you need some help with finding the right part or placing an order, you can contact our team at 1 (877) 477-7278.

While you’re waiting for your new part to arrive, you can explore our DIY blog and watch thousands of video tutorials on our YouTube channel. We can also help you troubleshoot common lawn mower problems here.

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