Troy-Bilt Pony mower POPS when steering - here's what to fix.

Correction: The steering rod and pinion gear are one piece for this model, and the flange bearing (not bushing) was definitely worn! The rod is splined on the steering wheel side.
Part numbers 941-04124 for the flange bearing and 738-05078 for the steering rod. I bought the entire assembly together for 31.99 on Amazon complete with washer and screw.
To replace the rod, you'll need to remove the steering wheel by popping the center cover off with a screwdriver or pick, then removing the bolt with 1/2" head. Then, move the fuel tank out of your way (don't disconnect any hoses), remove one side of torque screws that attach the fuel tank bracket to the side, and remove the 4 bolts of the bracket that holds the rod in place (and the gear selector). Tilt the bracket and slide the rod out beside the engine. Reinstall in reverse. Be sure the new flange bearing is seated properly before installing the washer and screw in the bottom of the rod.
Thanks for watching! Find us online at www.mechanichics.com and MechaniChics and Instagram @MechaniChicsLLC

[@sirchristopher7684]

I have the same model Troybilt. I replaced my steering rod screw with a bolt with the same threading instead to avoid any future issue with the screw head stripping during repairs. I ended up having to get the screw out with a pair of vise grips.

[@MechaniChics]

Glad you were able to get it out, and fantastic advice!

[@roccofortura2468]

I took a new Philip #3 bit, cleaned the end of the old shaft with break cleaner and JR welded it in. I came back the next morning and it came right out without any camming.

[@angeldew77]

Thank you so much. I have been looking for wtf is wrong with my mower.

[@captivatedbymandie]

Very welcome. Glad it helped.

[@rickystarling2863]

Ok so, I have one completed rusted together, nuts and bolts too. Any suggestions on a product that I can use to free up some rust so I can replace the steering column and steering gear?

[@lindseyloo6619]

Thank you!!!

[@UhBuddy1976]

Well, I’m a male mechanic “masculine” but thank you for your video. I’m about to do this to my Troy Bilt right now.

[@captivatedbymandie]

Welcome. 😊

[@MechaniChics]

Great!

[@user-lh8xs2sb4f]

5/16-18 x 1” is the bolt size for base of the steering shaft.

[@nicksteeves3652]

So i replace the hex bushing because mine was worn out. I changed the steering column because the teeth on the gear looked chopped up to. But now my steering is locking up. I cant turn left or right at all. Any idea whats going on?

[@captivatedbymandie]

There is debris in your bear claw gear. Loosen the two bolts enough to move it, then clean out the trash. You may take them both off if you'd like, but I prefer not to do any extra work unless it's required. Less bolts to lose that way.

[@nicksteeves3652]

@captivatedbymandie okay thanks. Gonna do that now and see if it's all clogged up.

[@taekeeoutee2606]

I have a craftsman LT2000 with this gear, having issues taking the screw out of the bottom. not enough room to get vice grips on it, may have to spend a day with a shortened hack saw blade, but expect that will be a very hard screw to cut the head off of. Any other suggestions? Someone else used heat on the shaft.

[@badkatrising3918]

How did you finally get that out.

[@captivatedbymandie]

Clamp the steering wheel instead of the shaft. Heat is okay, or use some of the other suggestions here in the comments.

[@badkatrising3918]

@@captivatedbymandie I did that and it worked well. I also used a manual impact driver and mapp gas. Once I got the screw out, I threw it about 75 yards into the lake and replaced it with a 13mm bolt.

[@user-wu8zd9uz9d]

Same series Craftsman, similar problem. My steering shaft & pinion were fine, sector moved sideways. Put it off for over year figuring frame/pan were worn out. When I took it apart, the pivot bolt (with the shiny flanged nut) was a screw with no shoulder and the threads were flat. Replaced it with a better quality shoulder bolt, cleaned/greased reassembled, problem ~85% gone. Good enough for me. Carl, TX

[@Martin-lh7pe]

Removed deck,jack up,drill out screw,get new parts,$35 Amazon!!

[@subaru2173]

What size Phillips is that? I want to get a socket Phillips to get mine off

[@badkatrising3918]

#3

[@robertbennett6418]

Never let my equipment get that dirty!

[@winnsanity1243]

you can't even see that part of the tractor without taking a lot of stuff off.

[@MechaniChics]

Usually just the fuel tank is all you need to remove, but an air tank or compressed air is sometimes the best thing for cleaning that area.

[@MechaniChics]

That's great.

[@josephlong5686]

Need the part number and where I can get it tried all day looking for the bushing.

[@MechaniChics]

Grab the model number from under your seat. Type it into PartsTree.com or a similar website. That will give you the schematics. Click on Steering, and the diagram will pop up with a parts list below it. You can usually click on the part in the diagram and the part number will come up. You can order directly from that site or copy the part number into Amazon or Google to research pricing. Hope that helps!

[@Martin-lh7pe]

Just loosen Phillips bolt on the bottom,easy peasy!! BS,stripped that chit out ,tried Vise Grips...nope,slid off!! Solution?? Drill bit that chitty Phillips bolt!! Slide shaft out,easy peasy!! Nope!! Bottom gears dont clear hole with plastic grommet further up,removed grommet, nope,still wont slide out!! Angle grind cut that shaft,there it is!! Now still had to "notch" that piece further up to accomodate the shaft,plastic grommet back in,new shaft other parts,fixed.

[@philliphall5198]

Yeah the bushing needs replaced for sure and no big deal Just drop the deck the first time and you’ll have better luck

[@MechaniChics]

I didn't have to this time, but if I didn't have my power tools I probably would have.

[@dylantew6758]

Anyone know the exact size of that bolt to replace it with a hex head? The end of the steering column that is

[@MechaniChics]

Good question. If you look up the model number and pull up the schematic, click on the bolt, and the part number should show with the correct pitch and length.

[@davegallucci9327]

Thanks!

[@MechaniChics]

Welcome!

[@ryangremillion8919]

I replaced the Phillips screw with a bolt, but now it keeps coming loose every time i turn the steering wheel. Anyone else had this same issue? This is second time i replaced my steering shaft 1st time I didn't have this problem but now the bolt keeps coming lose every time I move the steering wheel. Any help is much appreciate

[@MechaniChics]

Try some Loctite on the threads. It's also used on the VSP bolt.

[@badkatrising3918]

Or maybe put a lock washer on it

[@samkitty5894]

It's a crappy dumb beyond belief design. That bolt turns with the shaft so it can't be too tight.

[@areutryingitout5678]

They make it with a phillips head instead of a bolt. Trying now to get that damn thing out with a screwdriver, but it won't turn. Would be nice if I could use a ratchet.

[@MechaniChics]

I remember doing one like that. I ended up heating it and cutting a deep slot in it to use my driver. Lots of Parts Blaster and a new hex bolt for reinstall is all I can offer from here. 💪

[@areutryingitout5678]

@@MechaniChics so, through some heat on it and the bolt came out easy... can't get the dang gear off though.

[@philliphall5198]

I use a impack hammer tool

[@winnsanity1243]

@@philliphall5198 slides off with ease after a few wacks with that tool

[@Martin-lh7pe]

Drilled it out!!

[@samkitty5894]

Long metal shaft inside metal bushing, no lubrication. Lots of debris. What could go wrong... Just how cheap are today's mower makers?

[@MechaniChics]

Ummm. Want me to answer that?

[@philliphall5198]

That bushing is very bad

[@philliphall5198]

Those bushings don’t last very long Cheap system

[@MechaniChics]

Agreed.

[@azdigbee]

Yep it's wobbling for sure.......... wobbling almost as much as the damn camera ! 😅

[@MechaniChics]

Professional videographer I am NOT. :D

[@chameleonmobilevideoproduc9772]

I've done this many times. The worm gear and steering wheel are all one part have to be bought as one. I also replaced that ridiculous Philips head screw with a hex head bolt. And I shimmed below the bushing with a huge washer to get proper compression and no play in the up/down of the steering column. That bear claw gear is the stupidest design. It wears fast and I have to keep my tires over inflated to give it enough leverage for easier turning. If I had know of this issue I would never have bought it...but seven years later...here I am lol. Mines on a Troy-Bilt TB42...best mower ever...worst steering design on the danged planet!

[@MechaniChics]

I'm fairly certain this pinion gear was separate from the column. That Phillips head IS the worst idea ever. The end play for the steering is supposed to be there, I don't think I would shim it, but glad it's working for you. Long live old mowers!

[@chameleonmobilevideoproduc9772]

Pinion is definitely a single piece with the steering shaft on mine...I've replaced it at least 3 times...lol. Keep up the great work and videos.

[@taekeeoutee2606]

Your post on the tires makes me wonder if I can swap out larger front tires, or solid tires to avoid the inflation issue. Larger tires may make cutting blades not be even, so the solid tires may be a better way to go. The ride may be a little rough, but worth the trade off.