Fixing a John Deere Skipping Snapping Steering problem.

A common problem on some John Deere models is worn out steering gears and components that skip or make a snapping noise when turning. The parts eventually wear to the point that they won't function at all.
Aftermarket repair kits are available from a few different places to replace worn parts and make it steer like new.
#john deere #L111 #steering #lawnmower #lawntractor #riding mower
Fixing a John Deere Skipping Snapping Steering problem.
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[@hdman97]

Nice job! Hope that's not the next problem with my LT155 she's getting up there in years LOL

[@randomwrenching]

At least it's an easy fix! LOL

[@91CavGT5]

I’ve got an L118 that is starting to have steering problems. Thanks for the walk through! It isn’t as hard as what I thought it was going to be. BTW, my L118 has 450 hours on it.

[@randomwrenching]

Thanks for watching. Those hours are getting up there, be sure to check and set the valves.

[@91CavGT5]

I replaced all the steering components over the weekend with no problems. Also dug out my old go/no go feeler gauges so I can check the valves. Thanks!!

[@randomwrenching]

@@91CavGT5 Thanks for the update!

[@gordbaker896]

ALWAYS change the steering shaft Bushings.

[@91CavGT5]

@@gordbaker896 yeah, I learned this lesson the hard way. I did not change the steering shaft bushings and so the new steering gears wore out in a year. So I replaced them again only to have the steering almost immediately start popping and skipping again. Luckily damage had not been done yet. I changed the steering bushings and it is working great again. Lesson learned! ALWAYS change the steering shaft bushings!!!

[@drfalcon4102]

Very much like the MTD setup

[@randomwrenching]

Most of the steering systems are kinda similar. The John Deeres seem to have this problem even when the 35 year old MTD's don"t.

[@gordbaker896]

I hope you also replaced the bottom bushing on the steering shaft after forgetting to do it.. That is what the problem is. The original bushing gets ovaled out and increases engagement clearance. Often you can invert the pinion gear, perhaps drill the one end out slightly so new teeth engage the Sector. Your video is chopped up.

[@terrycolley5506]

Hey I have a D170 54" cut, the steering is really tight and seems to be worse turning left, it is not making any noises when turning and there doesn't seem to be any play at all. any suggestions?

[@randomwrenching]

Some John Deere steering spindles have a habit of seizing up (even if you grease the fittings on them). Some times you can pound the spindle out the bottom, clean the rust off and grease them up. I have seen units that are to tight they are almost impossible to steer at all.

[@JDRhoads09]

I can't seem to find my exact problem anywhere on the internet. I can steere a D105, but when its hard over it pops the gear. I have no idea why. I have tested it by replacing the main gear itself thats screwed into the steering wheel shaft itself. Not the issue. But when I look at the mechanical stupidity of the design, there is nothing that stops the entire plate from attempting to move when the steering wheel is hard over left or right.... and then of course it pops. so what is wrong?

[@randomwrenching]

Did you replace both gears? The round one and the sector?

[@johnkenson1699]

Any idea how many hours that machine had?

[@randomwrenching]

This one had 403 hours on it at the time