Husqvarna Garden Tractor Mower Poor Man's Power Steering: How To Reduce Steering Effort for Cheap

[Non-sponsored video]
In this video, I show how to install a set of needle roller bearings on a Husqvarna GTH52-XLS to improve steering effort.
Note: This channel earns a small commission if you make a purchase from the below affiliate links, which helps the channel to continue making content. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Equipment Seen in this Video:
Weatherproof Deluxe Riding Mower Seat Cover: amzn.to/3V5UiiK
Uxcell AXK2035 Bearings, 20mm Bore, 35mm OD, 2mm Width: amzn.to/3WwzDG1
Black & Decker Heat Gun: amzn.to/3QSace7
Lock N Lube Grease Gun Coupler GC81011: amzn.to/4b45IZY
General Purpose Grease: amzn.to/3QTBvVE
150 Hrs. Service on this mower:
• Husqvarna Garden Tract...
4 Year Review on this mower:
• Should You Buy a Husqv...
5 Year Update on this mower:
• Part 2: Should You Buy...
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#husqvarna, #gardentractor, #mowermaintenance, #lawnmower, #steering, #diy, #repair, #maintenance, #howto, #budgetfriendly, #lawncare, #ridingmower, #lawntractor, #yardtractor, #homestead, #homesteading

[@outdoorsinoregon]

For those who are looking to do this, the roller bearing details are listed in the video description.

[@billryland6199]

I added the bearings to my Husqvarna TS-348D garden tractor. The steering effort was reduced from a real struggle to being able to steer with 2 fingers. Thanks for the info! This will help my old arms and shoulders. The dust caps are now loose and I will have to find a way to hold them on.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

The wheel bearing conversion will be my next upgrade; a lot of people seem to have good results with the bearings. By the way, you can get replacement dust caps on Amazon: amzn.to/3VVtZwe

[@patrickflohe7427]

What engine is in the TS348D? Mine is the TS 354D, and has the Kohler 7000.

[@patrickflohe7427]

How much of a job was the wheel bearing mod?

[@scark00]

As a Husqvarna owner, I find it amazing how cheaply mine is made. I have YTH24V54. I have had to build my own frame for it as mine was so thin it cracked in 4 places. I did the power steering fix two years ago as well as the ball bearings in the wheels. My right front wheel bushing wore out in less than a year and it wallowed out the wheel itself! The steering arms have bent, and that is just from driving it. I have never hit anything with them. My terrain is uneven but not grossly so. The only thing good about my mower is that the Briggs and Stratton engine always starts! I will never buy another Husqvarna.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Thank you for the comments. I have seen reports of cracked or bent frames, mostly related to front attachments. I've had some minor electrical issues with mine, but no mechanical issues at all.

[@danjanes8689]

I have the same mower, and it's a 2007 model. I've had none of those issues with it. I've not even had to replace a blade spindle. It has about 375 hours on it and is still cutting great.

[@PainterD54]

I didn't notice much difference when I did mine like that. I guess greased bushings are pretty much just as smooth as bearings, but will help the shaft last longer.

[@jeffdeal1162]

Same, didn't notice much difference. Better, but not significantly so.

[@watchinglclowns9890]

Outstanding will do that!!

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah, it was pretty cheap, pretty easy, and made a noticeable difference in steering effort.

[@earlsshow8966]

Next??? Wheel bearing upgrade?. Replace the sleeve bushing with bearings.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

I'm strongly considering it. Stay tuned. 🙂

[@gordbaker896]

I did this on my J. Deere X320 recently. It had a 1/2" thick Plastic bushing on the spindle beneath the Axle Beam. I don't believe all JD tractors have this bushing. New bearings were $8.50 for 2 on Amazon. $73.00 plus tax at J.D. dealer! I installed the needle bearings after carefully greasing them. The needle bearings are also called Torrington Thrust Bearings..They fit well. I NOTICED NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL in Steering Effort. Very disappointing.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Interesting; I wonder if the plastic bushings create low friction contact similar to the roller bearings. Mine was difficult to steer at the start; there was a lot of down force pushing on metal-to-metal contact before installing the bearings. So, there was a noticeable improvement with the bearings in place.

[@gordbaker896]

@@outdoorsinoregon I believe the Plastic Bushings serve the same purpose. I have always jacked up the front end prior to greasing the spindles so the grease can get where it is needed.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Wouldn’t those bearings get a lot of dirt in them? I know when mowing my yard, and the previous place I had too, there would be a lot of dirt kicked-up when mowing. I’d think the dirt would ruin them pretty quickly, but who knows.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yes, but the Amsoil metal protector and periodic greasing will help prevent damage from water and dust.

[@zdiddy4u]

Next Video how about one relating to a seat upgrade? Don't understand why other mowers have springs and all Husqvarna has is the 2 rubber pegs that make it feel like your riding a mechanical bull. Just a idea for a upcoming video. Thanks

[@zdiddy4u]

Ok so as i watched your next video it shows springs on your model.

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Well, I wouldn't be able to do that video because my seat already has springs as you can see from my review of this tractor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moLRn4VmgN-mb9ksi=gW2yH75Q3328Z2Vp&t=504 I'm guessing the holes all line up and you can probably buy a garden tractor seat and bolt it in place of your current one.

[@patrickflohe7427]

Huh? My Husqvarna has springs, and so did the others that I looked at. I have a TS354D.

[@randyjohnson6960]

E- clip not a clamp

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Yeah.

[@BryanClark-gk6ie]

Your idea or someone elses idea that there's already several videos on how too.

[@danburland7190]

What are the bearings called? Where do you buy them?

[@outdoorsinoregon]

Details are in the description section.

[@petesmith3923]

Look under the more tab, he has it listed there.

[@MeowMeow98945]

Dear Sir, we want to put the link of our products(AXK2035)under your video,we can send you products for free and we will give you the corresponding compensation.