Troy Bilt Pony Steering Repair

[@screwdriver9955]

I like this guy. He gives you nothing but beef, no filler. 👍🏼

[@Gregory_TheWatchman]

You gave some info nuggets in just under 6 minutes that others never mentioned. That new bolt really makes the difference. Swapping the screw for the bolt too. Thanks! Shalom.

[@StevenNLong]

Exactly the repair I am doing. This saved me hours of trial and error!! Thank you!!

[@DMB088]

So me 0:09 Also me 2:52 😉 I started getting the click click last year, but put it off because I was afraid it was something expensive. Can't avoid it any longer, so found this and I'm relieved it looks fairly straight forward and not too costly. I'll be ordering that part today! Thank you for your no nonsense instructions!

[@KlaunVI]

This is the most helpful video on KZbin.

[@MrDanoconnor]

thank you for the kind words, please Subscribe for more helpful tips.

[@FLHTCRider]

Good video! I needed to do this also, my pony is 6 years old. Bushing and shaft replaced, steering feels good now - would only turn right before! Got the pan head screw out with visegrips, replaced with a 5/16"-18 hex head screw with washer and lockwasher. Using the visegrips on that POS pan head screw was the key to the job. Thanks for helping!

[@michaeledwards19]

EXCELLENT video Dan...! Thanks for taking the time to upload it. I was able to get the screw out with PB Blaster and vise grips. Took some time, but got it done. Now time to order the new parts.

[@streettacos4780]

your tip for the vice grips was a life saver!!!! thanks for posting this

[@klakmou6465]

Helped me. I had to deal with the screw today, I planned on replacing that S-O-B just like you did. Thanks for the vice grip advice! Also, for those wondering if Troybilt does this on their newer mowers... THEY DO!

[@raywu7933]

Troy used a screw instead of a bolt so that less-techy customers have to bring it to shop and shop makes a living, else Troy has no shops to fix other repairs. Troy purposely put a screw instead of a hex bolt to screw customers

[@markleathers1051]

This video was right on…saved me a lot time and energy. Thanks Dan.

[@tackyshack]

This was great help. You saved me a ton of headache figuring out how to navigate the cheap manufacturing flaws. Thanks!

[@journeyman348]

Thanks man, gotta order parts now, you helped me greatly, the pinion gear, I was hoping it could be beaten off, but nope thx, gonna subscribe because of you and this video. Thx again✌️

[@BC_Study]

Favorite part:.. "that screw is getting chucked into the woods!" 😂 Thanks for the video! Helped me tons!

[@stevenmartinelli1834]

use heat (propane torch) on the screw on the bottom of the shaft. burns up the locktite used at assenmbly and makes removing screw easier.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Good Advice.

[@alexthebeast2736]

I was so confused y the screw would not come out so i get on youtube and star looking thru comments on this vid found ur comment and heated the screw it came right out thx for the advice u helped me aloot

[@beakrakesupereffective2567]

This advice helped so much it's incredible, it should be at the top.

[@marcplante236]

Thanks for the replacement bolt size. I had an oversized Phillips bit used to release break rotor set screws on Honda cars that worked on on a 3/8 socket and a long handle.

[@jamessmejkal1940]

Thank you , person speaking no music

[@JohnYelverton]

Great video and awesome pointers, thanks!

[@phoenixjason1978]

Appreciate the video brother, shamed me a ton of time and money. I’m heading to Tractor Supply to get the bolt and washer you suggested.

[@montoromwilliams7060]

Yes Dano!!! You're the best!

[@roccofortura2468]

I cleaned the the Philip head with brake clean then JB welded a new #3 bit onto it. The next morning it came right out, no stripping.

[@MrDanoconnor]

WELL DONE... Just Like the DOC Said. " If You Put Your Mind To it, You Can Accomplish Anything"

[@gordontodd3705]

very helpful .... shit mower had a mower from wally world had 15 years cutting 5 acres ... no problems sold it moved to the city small yard bought this troy in 2015 . Had issues .... Thanks for the help brother ..

[@garymoore5166]

Thanks man, very helpful!

[@MrDanoconnor]

Always Glad to Help

[@carlrogers8730]

did this yesterday, I held the screw with a big screwdriver and had my son turn the wheel and broke it loose... it was the hardest part of the job but turning the wheel is a lot easer then turning that screwdriver on your back, just hold it with an iron grip...

[@josephwhitehead9918]

Everything you just said is the damn straight truth brother! I hope many people see this video and soak the information from it! I bought just the shaft and changed it and stripped it out too .. a couple years ago .. thanks man

[@AHill-oi9ct]

Build the gear up with a little weld and grind it back down to where it needs to be. Worked for me

[@aaronclark1867]

Everything I need to freaking know without the extra blabber. Thanks

[@TheStoryof6strings]

#4 Phillips socket and wrench, used a small propane torch from the bottom to heat that red Loctite and POP, comes out easy peasy!

[@JeremiahJustinMiller]

You rock dude! No nonsense information. I appreciate it greatly best wishes do you and yours

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

Trick that work for me hold the bolt head with vise grips and turn the steering wheel instead of trying to turn the bolt. I tried turning the bolt for a while first time I tried turning the steering will instead it worked

[@rickycole6327]

Thanks for the help I'm going to go mow my lawn

[@kellyphillips9770]

Your video helped me. Thanks. It was Hell, but I was able to do it. So true, piece of shit screw was Hell getting out. Replaced it with a blot and washer and blue Locktite. On my Murray (MTD), I had to take the lower deck off, take the steering wheel area of the deck off...it was pure Hell. Got it all back together and back to mowing. Feels like its got power steering now!

[@neatpleats11]

EXACTLY EXACTLY EXACTLY my issue. Thank you so much for your video. I did need your advice.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Always Glad to hear someone found my Videos useful. Godspeed

[@borjeny1]

I have an impact screw driver to remove my Honda disc brakes. Wonder if it works well with this stubborn screw

[@kevinclark3557]

thanks for the information....I even tried a 1/2 impact to remove the screw on the bottom of my shaft and it wouldn't break it free...I'll try the vicegrips

[@richdandanell2911]

Hey nice looking tractor !

[@bobbykelly2333]

Thank you for the video. I was given one of these by a neighbor who got a new one. I need to do this to it although he has already replaced the screw with a bolt but the bolt fell out when he brought it over to the house. So I need to replace the bolt & washer.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Glad it was Helpful... When You Replace the Bolt, Make Sure it is the Right Thread and Not Stripping... Also, be sure to Use Loctite Brand Thread Locker and or it Will come loose again from the Friction of Turning over time . Take the Old One with you to get the right length. Good Luck.

[@bobbykelly2333]

@@MrDanoconnor Unfortunately the old bolt fell out on his way to my house so I don't have it to compare to. Can you give me an Idea what size I will need?

[@MrDanoconnor]

The Original Screw was short, approx. 3/4 to 1 inche Long MAX You can stick a Screwdriver up in the Hole until it Bottoms out, then put a Piece of tape on it, then pull it out and Measure it. Better a little shorter than longer because When you put the new one in make sure it dosen't bottom out before it is really Tight. Hope this Helps.

[@bobbykelly2333]

@@MrDanoconnor Thank you sir.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Glad to Help, Make SURE you use a Grade 8 BOLT... A Weaker Bolt May Snap under Pressure

[@jameshigdon165]

GREAT VIDEO DUDE THANKS SAVE ME TIME AND MONEY

[@johnyaden1299]

Fastest way to do this, lift front of mower a foot, pull cotter pin on deck and drop it, grab 1/2 inch cobalt drill bit WD40 and start drilling into the screw......it took 3 minutes. This was, of course after fn around with it for 2 hours and finally saying to hell with it.......

[@dufffredq8]

Great video. I haven't been able to get the hex flange where I live in Thailand so I made my own but it was a real bitch and I had to learn everything before I saw your video. I wish I had seen your video first for sure but thanks for putting it out there. A really poor design unless they intestinally wanted to rip people off. I made a hex flange from a bolt nut and had to do some filing but it worked and I had a hell of a job getting that screw out. I wasn't lucky and had to drill it out and retap the steering rod. Too bad as whoever engineered the steering for an otherwise good mower has turned me off to anything made by this company.

[@gordbaker896]

A Yard Works Mower has the same setup. Always grease that oil-lite bushing.

[@franciscoesparza410]

I used a grinder 😂 to take off the Phillips screw head and worked

[@ericmartin3396]

I used a hammer to finish of mine because it was already half missing.

[@petev5545]

How long did you have your rider mower before you had to replace the steering guts ?

[@jimmiejordan1]

Thanks for the video bud. I appreciate it. You sound like you're from the Bronx. LOL

[@MrDanoconnor]

FUNNY... I am Originally from The East Bronx and after 40 Years OUT, People still tell me I Have a Bronx Accent! ... "Book 'em DanO'"

[@Rdrake1413]

I have done that on many John Deere's when I was a mechanic for a local John Deere dealer. They use a nylon spacer on the shaft. Seems they could come up with a better design. I would prefer some kind of block that was thicker and be able to grease it.

[@MrDanoconnor]

It's always about the Money ....Everything today is Disposable, NOT made to last a Lifetime like the Farmalls

[@Rdrake1413]

Yeah my Farmall is 67 years old. I would like to see the stuff made today last as long. I was amazed at how cheap John Deere tractors are made. Plastic hoods and fenders. Cast aluminum instead of cast steel for the transmission and final drives.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Same with Most the other Companies that have Sold Out to MTD and Simular Monopolies , making Very Inferior Parts in China and other countries.

[@brians3986]

Where do you order the parts from?

[@MrDanoconnor]

I found them on Ebay... Good Luck

[@dolfan13jmb]

Are the mpd pos #1 and #2 available on Amazon?

[@cuzzinhenry]

Is the steering shaft suppose to have play up and down when turning to the left my does and I think this is what is causing the gear grinding any solutions

[@SorryAssMfr]

Thanks a lot brother

[@travc304]

I had to pull mine out because I stripped the screw. Yes the screw was the worst. Got a new rod and hex bushing.

[@leeisenberg]

Hey what about seized up steering of the front wheels, even w/ the drag link disconnected??... For my friend's mower, I haven't seen it in person, yet... He says even w/ the front tires off the ground they're hard to turn/move by hand. thanks - take care

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

It is so much easier if you remove the deck. While you have it off go ahead and replace the drive belt. That way you won't have any maintenance on your motor for a couple Seasons at least. Well so good idea to remove blower housing and blow off cooling fins with compressed air

[@cfosnacker]

Awesome help. Thank you.

[@jmiconcarry9464]

Thank you for the video. I used much more colorful language with that bolt! 👍

[@MrDanoconnor]

I'm a little careful when I'm on Camera or around my Grandchildren.

[@rmax5150]

Great video! thanks for posting.

[@randymarsh6564]

I didnt have to drop my deck, only put it on lowest setting. Your best bet is to use a big sized flat head screw driver. I lifted the front tires by driving up 12 in high ramps. Backed in on my back from the front. Then by someone strong turning the steering wheel at the same time i two handed my end counter clock-wise, we finally got that bastard out. If you can get vise grips on that slick lil pan head screw, it may work, but a flat head about 10mm wide can grip pretty well too.I suggest not putting the pan head screw back in. Use a hex bolt that's the same size. .63 inches long.

[@1Bigredox]

Skip the vise grips. That's the painful way to do it. Use a #4 Phillips bit (I get them online) and an impact driver or hammer drill (there is red loctite on the threads). I have drilled them out when the shaft needed replacing using a 3/8" bit in a powerful drill. The last one I did I used a dremel with a cutting wheel and just let the tool do the work. This bolt is tough stuff, so be prepared. It's 5/16 - 18 and 5/8" long. A hardened 3/4" long hex-head bolt with a washer is a good replacement, I use stainless steel bolts myself. Never had one fail. Usually by the time you realize it needs to be fixed the pinion gear is chewed up and the larger steering gear has wobbled out its mounting holes as well as destroyed the bolts it uses. Welding the holes back with mild steel and redrilling them is my answer. Homemade shims and other bandaids will fail miserably. I was a machinist in the Navy for 22 years. You can't just go on Amazon to get parts to fix your broken ship.

[@jankotze1959]

Good looking mower Dan, strange that the steering give problems, must have done a lot of turning in it's life altough it looks brand new.

[@MrDanoconnor]

Yes it Has... I have a Lot of Trees , Gardens and a Pond to Mow Around, so it gets a workout for sure.

[@jeffdiaz25]

I have a question I hope you can help me with I have the same machine but the wheels and the front are not working together one is facing a different way is that the same issue you have

[@williamwaldrop829]

Couldn't budge that "piece o' shit" philip's head screw to save my life so I broke out the angle grinder and just grinded the damn thing off,,the bolt you replaced yours with looked to be about an inch long So i'm gonna get one like it and hope it's long enough,,,thanks for the time and effort you put into this video!

[@stephenramnarine7396]

I got a pony that’s 9 years old the other day I ran over a bump and the tire rod ends completely bent about 35 degrees had to take it out and bend it back. Now the engine sounds like it’s about to go.

[@ashleystanley8298]

I’m trying to cut the bolt off… all I have is a small hand rotary tool with a metal cutting disc on it… at 8 months pregnant it’s very very hard to do.. will this work or am I wasting my time? And should I cut the head of the bolt or behind the washer?

[@manofculture4945]

Maybe you should get your husband to do it instead of you

[@rickeykeeton71]

Have a Toro that is very hard to steer. Changed one front wheel with weak bearing. Made no difference. The wheels are tighter than the ones in a Craftsmen I have and another Toro. Neither of them seem to have a steering problem. Wheels seem to be in line. Do I need to look at these parts on the Toro that steers hard?

[@MrDanoconnor]

First I would Jack up the front of the tractor and try to turn the steering wheel back and forth... If it turns easy without the weight on the front end, chances are the problem is in the Shaft gear mesh, as was with this one. Watch the Gears as you turn the wheel and see if they mesh well with No play. When the front end is Under Stress with the weight, the gears will Bind if NOT meshing properly. Also try Holding the wheels in place while off the ground and see if there is excessive play in the steering wheel. If so, You've found the problem... Good Luck.

[@rickeykeeton71]

MrDanoconnor I did raise the mower and test the turning before asking the question. I was somewhat stumped. This mower had sat for a long time under trees in the weather. I thought maybe I need to lube right at the bottom of the steering shaft. Pour some motor oil there and let set for a few seconds. Then U turned the wheels back and forth while raised off the ground. Seems to have solved the problem.

[@kevinkennett7474]

I have a craftsman, and I am trying to get that damn screw out right now. Ugh. Plus they hay a bar going across the bottom of the tractor, two inches below the screw. I am replacing it with a bolt also.

[@ButlerianG-Haddinun]

thank you kindly, needed this!

[@FUGYOO]

This once AMERICAN made mower, used to be built in Cleveland, Ohio. Now it's assembled in Mexicant with foreign made parts. Only AMERICAN product on it is the wasted $1500.00 to take it home. A deck pulley seized on mine after 2 years. Tried to order one but discovered it is made in china. Finally found one made in AMERICA. Don't purchase this garbage. Spend a little extra cash and find a JD, Husqavarna or Sears Craftsman. Thanks for the good video MrDanoconnor.

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

It's not that they are assembled poorly. It is planned obsolescence. They don't want you to buy one Mower and have it for the rest of your life. They want you to buy a new mower every 5 years

[@houstonmagicianprofessorhu7223]

extremely helpful! Thanks!

[@roostertail7]

I'll never buy another Troy-bilt mower. I've had nothing but problems out of mine

[@johnnyharden3766]

roostertail7 I agree nothing but trouble!!!!

[@willdewease6023]

roostertail7 don't buy anything else either. MTD makes basically all riding mowers except Husqvarna. They're all the same. Been there, done that.

[@favpleasure]

Ole snapper is still reliable

[@willdewease6023]

Thank you for the correction.

[@dadggsCA]

roostertail7 yellow poulans are OKAY some red craftsman are OK they’re both made by Husqvarna (AYP) stay clear of MTD. Stay away from bolens, Troy built, cub cadet, yard machine and all that other junk

[@1ultimateangler]

Thank you

[@kennethdurbin3385]

What size is that phillips head screw bolt? I managed to get my shaft off after breaking away the washer behind it and shoving it up through the hole. Screw is still in the old shaft and not coming out.

[@kfoltz00]

Mine was 5/16-18 replaced with a grade 8 like he said

[@ronnsherrill7749]

You cant press the pinion gear off and press a new one on?

[@gordbaker896]

I believe they were welded, possibly press fit.

[@Thanksabunch]

Great! Thanks!

[@GuntersGarage]

Is there any way to ad a grease zerk or at least access to squirt some oil on her from time to time. I had a troubuilt years ago I guess I got rid of it before it gave up any issues. The tractor I use now is a 1967 and shes loaded with grease zerks, lol.

[@MrDanoconnor]

No way to put grease fitting anywhere . These MTD product are 100% Disposabe. The older Mowers , pre 1980 had them,,, Cub Cadet, Wheel horse, Deere, Sears etc but all the brands that MTD took over went Down Hill with Cheap Crap and cutting corners for Profits.

[@GuntersGarage]

Yeah I sure hear you! Seems like the American way any more "cut corners = more proffit". I see it in the homebuilding industry im in and it makes me sick to be associated with it.

[@bigfoot3270]

THANKS BROTHERMAN SALUTE

[@wolfodinson5303]

Thanks great video . The phillips head bolt .STUPID ! Thanks again

[@hermthegerm4039]

Has anyone had a loose steering plate ? It is not the steering shaft gear that is loose on mine. Is there a bushing under the half moon tooth geared plate ? When you turn the steering wheel back & fourth you can see the plate with loose play in the frame. I have found no clear pics or video on the steering plate.

[@2024s_truth-speaker]

bolt prob just lose in the center. hold top nut with wrench n tighten bolt with socket underside.

[@hermthegerm4039]

@@2024s_truth-speaker Yes that is exactly what it was problem solved. I seen your reply after the fact. But thanks just the same.

[@AwarSaid]

Anyone have the part number for the shaft

[@SKANK_HUNT49]

You might not like when people call it a tractor. It is indeed a lawn tractor though. You liking or disliking it is completely fucking irrelevant

[@josephbrown1097]

On the money .thank

[@ericmartin3396]

The mistake i think Troy-bilt did was not put a plastic bushing about the same size as the steering gear the steering rod connects to. It would make that gear move easier and put less strain on the 2 parts IMO. Plus the stupid screw being switched over to a bolt.

[@HapPap81]

Thank you Sir! I can’t turn left and the steering wheel moves up and down. I was wondering how I was gonna get that idiotic screw outta there.

[@MrDanoconnor]

You're Welcome, Good Luck, Godspeed

[@zacharypangelinan3502]

Where did you order both parts

[@MrDanoconnor]

Ebay

[@adelg8]

I still can't figure out how to get that bolt out. 3:50 And yeah its been a b*** to remove

[@snarf114]

first you said you hate when people call it a "tractor" then half way through the video you called it a tractor

[@gschneider4112]

Thanks for the video mr.dan... ha haa, "piece o shit MTD parts" I had to replace this a year or two ago... pain in the ass for sure. Now i gotta replace the steering cable. Any suggestions ?

[@garysumlin8355]

Replace screw with bolt

[@williambetts4645]

Keep the gears greased fools!!!

[@terryrawley1004]

no it is not. you did not show how to put it back together.

[@samkitty5894]

You talk about the parts but don't show the actual repair.

[@rogeroconnor5182]

shitty design for sure,i do recognize the tractor supply bolt and washer......

[@HURRICANEWILMA]

Correct !!! Piece of Shit !!!! Thanks for the video !!!!!

[@Bigpoppi1469]

ive got one of these pieces of shit you can have!

[@drexellake4051]

Troy Bilt is trash. I've done this once. Next time I'm selling it and buying a quality mower.

[@MrDanoconnor]

I agree 100%.. I use Nothing But Wheel Horse Tractors now..