April 19, 2023

Riding Mowers & Tractors: Why is the steering loose on my riding mower?

Mowing is difficult when you can't steer properly. If the steering wheel has too much play, check the tie rods, steering shaft and sector gear assembly. Replace any damaged parts. Problems with the wheels or the front axle can also affect the steering performance. A bent or worn wheel spindle or worn front axle won't allow you to steer the lawn tractor properly.

riding mowers & tractors

THESE REPAIRS MAY HELP SOLVE YOUR RIDING MOWERS & TRACTORS PROBLEM

JC-RM-Replace-the-riding-mower-blade-engagement-lever

Replace the riding mower blade engagement lever

The blade engagement lever pulls the blade clutch cable to spin the blades when you shift the lever to the engaged position. The blades won't spin-read: cut grass-if if the lever breaks. If the blades don't spin, examine the lever and replace it if it's broken.

Riding mower blade engagement lever

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-RM-Replace-the-riding-mower-tie-rod

Replace the riding mower tie rod

This repair involves removing and replacing the tie rod. If the steering is loose or the wheels don't turn with the steering wheel, then the tie rod may need to be replaced.

Riding mower tie rod

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-RM-Replace-the-riding-mower-steering-kit

Replace the riding mower steering kit

If the steering for a riding lawn mower is loose or slips when turning the steering wheel, the complete steering kit may need to be removed and replaced.

Riding mower steering kit

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-RM-Replace-the-riding-mower-front-axle

Replace the riding mower front axle

Replace the front axle on your riding mower or lawn tractor if the front wheels point outward or the steering is loose.

Riding mower front axle

Find the required part specific to your product.

JC-RM-Replace-the-riding-mower-wheel-spindle-assembly

Replace the riding mower wheel spindle assembly

A bent or damaged wheel spindle won't allow you to steer the riding mower properly. Check the wheel spindles for damage if the front wheels wobble or don't align properly. Replace a spindle if you find damage.

Riding mower wheel spindle assembly

Find the required part specific to your product.

Most common symptoms to help you fix your riding mowers & tractors

Choose a symptom to see related riding mower and lawn tractor repairs.

Main causes: faulty battery, bad alternator…

Main causes: damaged cutting blade, worn deck pulley, damaged mandrel pulley, loose fasteners on mower deck components…

Main causes: damaged tie rods, bent or worn wheel spindle, worn front axle, damaged sector gear assembly…

Main causes: worn or broken blade belt, broken belt idler pulley, blade clutch cable failure, bad PTO switch, damaged ma…

Main causes: punctured tire or inner tube, leaky valve stem, damaged wheel rim…

Main causes: engine overfilled with oil, leaky head gasket or sump gasket, damaged carburetor seals, cracked fuel pump, …

Main causes: clogged carburetor, damaged flywheel key, dirty spark plug, stale fuel, improper valve lash, engine needs a…

Main causes: shift lever needs adjustment, neutral control needs adjustment…

Main causes: worn or broken ground drive belt, bad seat switch, transaxle freewheel control engaged, transaxle failure, …

Most common repair guides to help fix your riding mowers & tractors

These step-by-step repair guides will help you safely fix what’s broken on your riding mower or lawn tractor.

How to replace the starter motor on a riding lawn mower

How to replace the starter motor on a riding lawn mower

If you hear the solenoid click but don’t hear the starter motor spin when you turn the key, follow these steps to replac…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 30 minutes or less
How to rebuild a riding lawn mower carburetor

How to rebuild a riding lawn mower carburetor

Get your sputtering carburetor running smoothly in 60 minutes.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less
How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

How to replace a riding lawn mower rear tire

Your mower can’t run on a damaged rear tire. Here’s how to install a new one.…

Repair difficulty
Time required
 60 minutes or less

Effective articles & videos to help repair your riding mowers & tractors

Use the advice and tips in these articles and videos to get the most out of your riding mower or lawn tractor.

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Top questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Sears and Sears PartsDirect.…

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Riding lawn mower engine clicks but doesn't turn over video

Check the starter solenoid, starter motor, wiring, battery and engine.…

Riding mower and tractor common questions

Riding mower and tractor common questions

You might find the answers to your questions about your riding mower or lawn tractor in this list of frequently asked qu…