Troy-Bilt TB30R Riding Mower Steering Problems

This Troy Bilt TB30R riding mower had a worn out steering gear rack. Be sure to lube everything up!
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[@floydblancher5045]

my dad used to say "grease is cheaper than parts, and he made us grease whatever machinery we were using every time we used it" good idea. thanks

[@EMo5ive]

LOL, dogs are the best! “I just want to help dad.” 😂 Great video, just what I was looking for! 👍

[@TheKatpurz]

Thanks for this! You're video helped me replace mine perfectly, and I'm not mechanically inclined! 3 years ago I would've paid someone to do this. Many thanks for taking the time to do this!

[@SmallEngineDIY]

I'm glad the video helped you out!

[@paulthompson7227]

Óp Know p😊

[@tonym6920]

Nice fix! The owner’s operating manual probably says to lube those gears regularly. Thanks for the vid, 👍👍

[@SmallEngineDIY]

👍

[@adnacraigo6590]

Thanks.

[@aprilmason5978]

Thank you for the video, as a female, this video saved me a lot of time. Yes, I work on my own mower. Keep up the good work 👍.

[@SmallEngineDIY]

Awesome! Thanks for watching!

[@ircorva67]

Don’t use grease or anything else that holds grit! After a few mows, IT TURNS INTO GRINDING COMPOUND! The manual’s recommendation of using grease is bad, unless you completely clean off the old grease and dirt first. I’ve had this mower since new in 2015 and my steering is just as it was 10 seasons ago. For two seasons, I followed the manual’s instructions and found that the grease held tons of dirt/grit that would easily wear away ANY metal. It’s very abrasive. -So- I always cleaned it off with a toothbrush & carb cleaner, then re-greased the cleaned parts. But it was a filthy, tedious process that left the garage floor (and me) a mess. **After that second season’s clean up, I started using dry graphite or Teflon lubricant. No more grit, and my steering rack looks like new. ** Once or twice every mowing season, after I do the deck wash, I take my garden hose nozzle, set it on JET, turn the wheel to one extreme and spray off the rack teeth. Then I turn it the other way and do the other side. When dry, I just respray the rack with Teflon dry lube again. You don’t need to raise the front of the mower, and the entire process takes 5 - 10 minutes. It’s a breeze! Also, this is the only video I’ve ever seen where the KZbinr said to take the wheels off. It’s not necessary.

[@DIYVariety]

Trying to get work done with a dog is no way going to happen lol cheers man, been watching for some time now

[@SmallEngineDIY]

The dog makes it all fun!

[@DIYVariety]

@@SmallEngineDIY Lol i bet

[@justincase2281]

Clearly your dog loves you, and that's really sweet. And, if he learns enough about repairing outdoor equipment, you can take a vacation knowing your business is in good paws.😁

[@SmallEngineDIY]

👍

[@mrbubetube]

ya he should train the dog to bring him tools and a cold beer.

[@reyreyna1068]

Hola great video Sir learned something cause I have one Troybilt d same! Thanks 👍👍

[@SmallEngineDIY]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@francislang5075]

another good video

[@mrbubetube]

yep, that's a very common problem with that mower

[@rickbroerman9267]

I wish all riding mowers were that easy to fix

[@SmallEngineDIY]

Isn't that the truth!

[@joebaucom4537]

Great !

[@craigszwed]

What about using thin Teflon sheet, thin nylon sheet, or thin brass sheet to act as buffer between those large contact surfaces in the steering mechanism.

[@FrankRuiz66]

Your fur kid is like.. But dad I wanna help

[@marcusanderson7880]

That’s a DOG... not a kid... it’s not a baby goat, and ppl who look at ANIMALS like they are ppl probably needs help 👀😵🤐

[@janhanks9415]

I appreciate this video so much! Can I ask what were you lubing on the wheels? I'm about to go change out this steering gear this afternoon.

[@SmallEngineDIY]

I used some Lucas gear lube.

[@janhanks9415]

@@SmallEngineDIY I've literally gotten new parts, put them on and taken them off four times and I still am having an issue with the clicking noise and the weird turning. Could it be the shaft? I'm so frustrated right now!!!!

[@user-nt5rf9zk2s]

Thanks

[@SmallEngineDIY]

👍👍

[@philliphall5198]

What about drilling and tapping the back plate and pushing bar against gear, then if needed take slack out

[@robertbaysinger1309]

Nice job on a poor design. I'm wondering if the grease will do more harm than good considering the amount of dirt and sand that will stick to it .

[@mrbubetube]

wow, the price of that mower has gone WAY up in the past year. It was $1299 last year at Home Depot. Now it's $1999!!! Same damn mower, no improvements! $700 price increase in less than 1 year!

[@robertdecker8958]

Paid $899 in 2018

[@marcusanderson7880]

I think the price goes up right before mowing season. I was looking at one last winter, and as soon as spring got close, all prices shot up. I’m hoping they go back down in the next few months. I am so fed up with the steering on this stupid thing 😤😫

[@mrbubetube]

@@marcusanderson7880 Now it's $2099 at home depot, up another $100 in only 1 month.

[@mikewoodward2279]

I have the very same lawn more if you want to keep that from going bad, try inflating the tires to the proper air pressure on the front tires you’ll see a major difference on how the lawnmower handles if you properly air up the tires try that I’ve had mine for two years with absolutely no problem

[@SmallEngineDIY]

👍👍

[@THEMOWERMEDIC1]

There is an update kit For that mower. I highly recommend installing the kit over just the rack. Cheers! #CRAFTSMAN #R1000 #TROYBILT #TB30 UPDATED STEERING RACK 753-11064A kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXaylJywfaaZqNU

[@garyalensr]

Hey MM1 AWESOME TO SEE YOU ON THIS CHANNEL.... IFS GREAT WHEN YOU AND OTHER BIG CHANNELS HELP OUT WITH CHANNELS. YOU MY FRIEND ARE A STAND UP FELLA

[@SmallEngineDIY]

I'll see how long this one lasts for the customer. If it strips again, I'll look for the update kit. Thanks for the feedback.

[@mrbubetube]

ya here's what the manual says about the steering Steering Rack & Pinion Once per season or every 25 hours of operation, it will be necessary to lubricate the steering rack and pinion gear located under the front of the riding mower. Using standard automotive grease, apply grease to the front side and rear side of the steering rack and pinion gear Unfortunately, they don't say that in the maintenance chart! that chart tells you to grease the front axle but doesn't mention the steering. you have to read the entire service and maintenance section of the manual to find that tip so basically if you don't read the whole manual, you're screwed hahahahahaha. They should give you a warning about what will happen if you don't grease the steering.

[@mgomez5606]

Bet the grease attracts a lot of dirt.

[@uf1978]

Im looking to buy this mower when home depot has it in inventory but its now a TB30B. Would you happen to know whats the difference with the R?

[@SmallEngineDIY]

I don't really know yet. I'll keep my ears open.

[@kevinw1954]

What if the steering linkages are twisted towards the wheel where you have to slide them back up and in and then put your pin in? I got it all done but they seem bent and wont slide back in sadly.. what am i doing wrong?

[@andyhamilton8940]

They are side specific, try reversing sides.

[@geraldalfano5581]

Why not lube the pinion gear and the rack before installing?

[@philliphall5198]

Just collect dirt and grass

[@Christer885]

😊👍

[@SmallEngineDIY]

😃

[@lesdaugherty6807]

It's just a poor design. Mine started slipping about 3 months after purchase. I had to add a spacer behind the gear plate. There should have been an adjuster. Also, grease or no grease isn't the problem. The grease just turns to grit.

[@SmallEngineDIY]

There was a redesign on it. So far, the last one I repaired and lubed properly is still working. Cross my fingers.

[@philliphall5198]

Drill and tap back plate, then keep it thigh against gear

[@bkizers]

Hate to be the one who tells you that it's going to do the same thing in a couple weeks. The real fix is under the Club Cadet steering fix. Same design just a better fix and will last longer

[@SmallEngineDIY]

Time will tell. It has been a month so far.

[@marcusanderson7880]

Mines lasted about 3 months... I have to fix it again. Hoping a new one is not the only answer 😫😤😢

[@richardkuhn4358]

Good Job ... And stop mistreating that dog😀😀 I have one of those TB30

[@SmallEngineDIY]

She is trying to help. Now if she just turn a wrench...

[@eddieayala6]

is a big deal to instead use 8 inch instead of the original 12inch wheels in the back

[@stevehart293]

My TB30R will not run in 1st or 2nd gear, 3rd is just fine.

[@mgomez5606]

you still only have one dog?

[@danielpadgett2831]

Ni e repair and a least you got your partner to help you 😂

[@mgomez5606]

tell the owner to keep rack lubed.

[@mrbubetube]

tell the owner to RTFM

[@boblevy1901]

Loose the dog could not see a thing

[@charlestillery248]

Be allot better if the dog was not in the camera!

[@SmallEngineDIY]

The dog is the star of the show!