Troybilt TB 30R Steering Problems *Fix*

Loose, broken or wobbly, sloppy steering?
Easy to fix, parts cost less than $35
Great little Socket set under $50 amzn.to/3NuLZX3
More socket sets amzn.to/3tTDqOw
Mechanic Tool Set: amzn.to/3zYzWhf
MTD 717-1554 Steering Pinion Gear: amzn.to/3ej5m5W
MTD 783-06988A Lawn Tractor Steering Rack Plate: amzn.to/3soAGZv
MTD 753-11064B UPGRADE KIT: amzn.to/3AyZEYA

[@garyblack8717]

Craftsman has sold this exact model for years. My son was given one by a neighbor and it's become my nemesis! Thanks for the vid! I'm going to replace the rack and pinion and the bracket at some point this weekend so he can mow the lawn.

[@chrisbarrett6228]

I had this same issue with my Club Cadet Hydro 30 today. Your video helped me solve the problem and save money. Bent the tab on bracket in a little and it fits snug. My gears are in good condition so I knew it had to be the slack in the assembly. Thank you for sharing.

[@walterjames4145]

Great video. Thank you... I followed your instructions step by step and fixed my slipping steering problem. Only problem was dirty and bent the plate over for a snug fit. Works like new.

[@geraldshoup7177]

Thanks Peter Tightening the gap between the rack and bracket assembly made a world of difference. Great Tip!

[@petedymond]

Glad it was helpful

[@ezio8591]

Thanks, I have the same problem with the yard machines version of this mower. Works fine the way it is but would like to get rid of the slop, this is really helpful, cheers

[@benchappell9204]

Thanks for the video! I’ll work on it tonight and hopefully that does the trick.

[@markvittorini5163]

Excellent presentation, I turned and my front wheel got hung up by my wood fence while turning and pretty much now having the same steering issue. Am gonna try adjusting the rack bracket if nothing else is bent. My R110 Craftsman is still fairly new and still getting used to it, thanks!

[@weezer1088]

Great job ! Lots of good info . Thank you

[@factsandstuff2832]

Thanks. I just ordered my replacement parts.

[@MikeHammondTexas]

Thanks so much This is the next project for my mower. Great informative video.

[@petedymond]

Thanks Mike. Be sure to check out the other steering video ultimate fix. The kit works great!

[@harleye1235]

I really enjoyed this video and did a quick scroll through your channel. I see a few videos about this mower. I just received a pre owned TB30R and I love it. This video is awesome and helped me fix mine.

[@petedymond]

Thanks for commenting. I have more videos in the works, including replacing tires and drive belts. Be sure to do the steering upgrade, it's a game changer!

[@davideverest9757]

Just stumbled across this. I have the same problem and will get to work on it. Thanks

[@tclark]

Legend! Thanks for this info!

[@cramburger]

Very Helpful My bolt had snapped. Thanks!

[@suefrey1913]

So greatful for your shared exploration! Thank you. I can fix my rider now.

[@petedymond]

Look for the new video with the MTD kit, it's a really good fix!

[@peterrapelye2891]

Thanks for the Cub Cadet Parts #(fits TroyBilt). . The hard plastic spacer and redesigned bracket make all the difference.

[@petedymond]

Yup, both labels are made by MTD. Essentially the same mower. There's a craftsman branded version too

[@william38022]

This is all a learning process for me I bought a brand new craftsman R110 that is identical to that and I believe they’re both made by MTD I don’t like the gearshifter between my legs,,,I bought it because it’ll go through my gateways between two properties I actually probably needed a bigger one it’s not comfortable it goes too fast even in low going slow it’s too fast for trimming and stuff sometimes,,,I’ll probably end up trading mine off however you have a very informative video here that will help a lot of folks,,, it actually does cut great I have the mulching cover with the mulching blade and as long as you don’t let the grass get too high and stay on it it really does look nice

[@thomasschreiner243]

I am only slightly mechanically inclined, and I was able to do this. Thanks for the tips!

[@petedymond]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@peterrapelye2891]

Very helpful. Original design flaw in my 2015 TB30R corrected with the modified replacement kit (same as Cub Cadet). Replacement kit was @$75. @1 hr. installation. Used marine grease for slide bar and fittings. Works perfectly now. Only regret is TroyBilt not informing past customers of the problem, probably to avoid a recall.

[@petedymond]

Yeah, for sure. I found out about if from a viewer comment. It's a great fix though!

[@daviidhunt6340]

Yes Peter first I want to say thank you so much your videos are definitely the best I viewed online I was watching another guy's video and his dog was in the way and licking them in his face I have the Troy-Bilt 30-in riding mower I've had it going on my third season now I to live in Florida I live down in Fort Myers Florida you know as well as I do that during the summer months you have to mow at least once a week but the mower is experiencing steering issues my question to you Peter is how do I go about ordering the parts? Call me dumb I'm sorry but I've never had to do this before that and the fact that I'm 65 years old and I have to do it myself with no help thanks again and keep up the great work please let me know in a reply I know it's MTD Parts but I'm not sure how to get ahold of them

[@programmingchicago]

Thanks for this vid. I have an issue with the parking brake not engaging. If you ever come across this issue, I hope you can do a video about fixing it. Thank you.

[@stevepaul2262]

Very good video.

[@oldgoat7856]

Thanks for very clear instruction. My steering jumps when steering jams if front wheels are turned and jammed.

[@garyreese4182]

Great video man thanks I have a craftsman same problem but my wheels dont turn with steering wheel.

[@John-pc3cx]

I added the gear and the bar, bent the tab as well like you did. It works better than total failure like I had but not back to how it originally steered. Poor design by Troy Bilt and my last mower from them.

[@Bigband78]

Added air to front tires 16lbs,like you said and it's like POWER STEERING. "THANKS"!

[@michaelpeck5547]

Just went out and did this but I replaced the rack plate as well. I honestly think the main problem is that mount that holds the rack plate forward against the gear. I smacked that mount fwd so that my rack plate is very snug in there now. If it wears loose again, I may see if I can use 2 bolts to be able to tighten that mount against the rack plate with a little turn. Thanks for the vid.

[@rickhenkle7778]

Thank You!!!

[@pfergy622]

Thank you for sharing the video, a local lawn mower shop wanted $275 to repair it. I bought the plate with the teeth on it for $32 and fixed within an hour.

[@user-ob5xq5xx9f]

Where did you purchase if I may ask? Thank you!

[@pfergy622]

@@user-ob5xq5xx9f Amazon

[@johnblood3731]

​@@user-ob5xq5xx9fAmazon. Got one coming for under $30. Everything from gear to cotter keys. I lost all steering.

[@davidp2216]

Thanks for a really useful video! I’m especially grateful that you covered all this valuable information in a thorough, yet concise manner- no wasted words or time talking about the weather, phone calls, or other unrelated nonsense. -Bravo! I have 2015 Craftsman R1000 that is the same machine (Cub Cadet has an identical model in yellow). These rear- engine riders are actually designed and built by MTD, and sold under many brand names. So if the design is flawed, it’s on them. Still, my rider is a useful little machine for a medium-size lawn, and you’ve given me a better understanding of how the steering mechanism works. I plan to thoroughly inspect mine when I clean and lube the mechanism for winter storage. * I’ll share something I started doing two years ago. It became very clear that following the manual’s instruction of greasing that steering rack & gear was holding a lot of grit, and it seemed like a design that would be prone to wear. SO- I cleaned the entire mechanism with brake cleaner until it was like new (a messy process!). Then I sprayed it with an excellent DRY graphite based lubricant. When I went to ready the mower for storage last fall, it was MUCH cleaner. I blew off any dirt with compressed air, rinsed with water, then re-lubed with graphite after it dried. Time will tell of this was a better choice, but so far I think it’s working. * * Update at the end of my 3rd season using the dry lube... I just inspected the steering mechanism and it’s doing fine. I clean my mower deck using the wash-out port, so I always use my leaf blower to blow off the dirt beforehand, then again to dry the machine afterward. I started aiming the blower from behind the wheels occasionally just to clear away dirt & grass from that steering gear, and even sprayed the mechanism with the garden hose once (just took an extra few seconds). It seems to have helped. The dry lube doesn’t hold dirt like grease does, and that mechanism has stayed clean, yet lubricated. The mower steers easily, too. I think my system is working!

[@henryfhenline6316]

Thank You. Very helpful, saves me time and likely $$. I'll do visual check on the gear & rack teeth first. If they seem in good shape like yours, I'll either bend the plate like you did, Or I might try a couple of composite shims to fix the fit. Either way, Thanks again from Daytona Beach 🙂

[@petedymond]

Check out the update video I made showing the MTD upgrade steering kit. It's a great solution.

[@petedymond]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/f165YWunnrKhd9U

[@william38022]

Can you heat that piece up that you hit heat tempering may stiffen it up a bit?

[@tcmomof2]

Awesome video now I can do the repair myself 😊

[@tcmomof2]

I repaired mine and three mows later same problem. Did yours stay fixed?

[@tcmomof2]

Tooth was broken on mine.

[@petedymond]

On the plate or the cog wheel?

[@jaimepowell5033]

Good video. It showed all parts & disassembly in sharp focus. My problem was a little different. Lil Thang wouldn't turn all the way to the right. About half way and the gear would slip. It was the rack. Makes eense. The gear is hardened steel. The rack is not. Makes a good compromise, as it gives a protective wear point.

[@petedymond]

Glad it helped. Look for a new video about the steering issue. I'm editing it now

[@HoustonGenaux]

the lower steering bracket 753-11064a has been upgraded to 783-07239a, the difference between the original and the upgraded part is a snap-in teflon slide on the original that seems to wear excessively.

[@petedymond]

I don't have a Teflon guide on mine, maybe an earlier model?

[@mikesuniverses-7309]

Thanks! Peter, How is your blade engage,clutch brake etc.. holding up? I was wondering how hard is that to replace the belts some day. Thanks again. Mike

[@petedymond]

I did the drive belts a couple of years ago. A real PITA. I didn't make a video because it would have been R rated LOL. Next time I do them I will try again. You have to drop the deck, take a wheel off and there is one bolt that holds a retaining bracket for the belts that is a motha. I have an impact gun now so that really helps.

[@toddh6234]

👍 Makes since... so its metal on metal and as the bracket and tension plate wear down things get loose and sloppy .

[@bernadettegiacona532]

As everyone said great video. Has anyone commented on the stearing getting stuck on the turns? I only have problems on the turns. Both directions R turn and L turn. . I have ordered the parts. Thank you.

[@dpurrott]

I recently purchased this lawn mower and right from the beginning the steering sticks when I turn the steering wheel all the way to the left or right. Where you able to fix that problem?

[@seannguyen196]

Great helpful video! Where did you get a list of all the steering components for tr30?

[@donavonschnabel1247]

I got mine from Jacks Small Engine, excellent price, after replacing the gear and plate to again have the problem I replaced the bracket that holds them in place and found the steering column hole was wore causing the other parts to fail

[@crawfordtoups]

MTD 717-1554

[@robertlee4172]

Another KZbin channel DIY repair guy did the same thing. He used sledge hammer and gave the bracket a couple of whacks. I imagine the lack of grease, coupled with the design flaw, is the main reason why the steering fails. Most people who replace the hardware seems to be quite surprised by the lack of degradation to the gear. MTD's solution to the problem is a beefier plastic bushing on the replacement steering kit. $50 bucks Canadian. An annual dab of maintenance grease ought to be enough for the next 5 years for your mower.

[@petedymond]

Yes, I made another video showing the upgrade kit. It works great! kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmq0fXR-m7t8bK8

[@robertlee4172]

@@petedymond Thanks for the link. I'll get to it next. I have the Columbia CR30(MTD) that has yet to develop steering problems. I'll need to make the adjustment before I use the mower this season.

[@ruthdoyle9085]

If u put a metal brace behind the steering toothed bar on both sides it might tighten it up. I think the lower steering frame box is worn out. Or, put a 1/4”x1/8” brass bar in behind the toothed bar and simply bend the ends over to hold in place. The brass would act as a soft metal bushing and finish tightening up the steering by keeping the toothed bar from rocking back and forth in its frame...you could also use any greased metal bar...

[@arthurmoy5175]

YOU ARE WELCOME

[@jamesatkinson5027]

I have a 2021 TBR 30 mine is getting pretty sloppy steering already hangs up in a turn

[@webroc1]

Bought a new TB30R in July 2020. The steering rack and pinion are a very poor design. Complete crap.

[@gbrown1740]

This mower had steering issues almost immediately. Took to a warranty repair shop after second use they replaced all those parts and same issue after third mow. Took back now they have had it for 4 months waiting for a kit that is a redesigned steering mechanism from the manufacturer. Hope it works. Like to have it back before the grass starts growing again.

[@michellemarie8268]

Yes! Mine has squeaked and had loose steering almost from the start!

[@petedymond]

I would love to hear about the improved redesign kit

[@robwhiff3411]

Sounds like a normal play sound , even cars make does sound specially when we’re talking about metal moving parts ... I say it’s totally normal but that adjustment seems like it didn’t hurt to hammer it ... Great vid stay safe

[@crawfordtoups]

Notice the old pinion has an inner rubber side that looks worn 5:26 could have been the issue. New one looks metal

[@theniche0726]

I have one of there and I am on my 8 steering rack and my 5 gear. Only the OEM parts work well and I use that term loosely. Amazon parts steering rack may last you about 45 mins in mowing before the teeth are chewed up. The mower and engine are sound and good working however the steering is terrible.

[@petedymond]

Wow! That's crazy. I have really sandy soil but I'm still on the original rack and 2nd pinion gear, although it really didn't need to be replaced.

[@Reb519]

The newer model steering rack #753-11064B comes with a heavy piece of polyurethene that the rail slides on to take up the slop. But you knew that by now.

[@petedymond]

Yes, I posted a video about that upgrade. It's a great solution!

[@william38022]

Looks like the gear is forged and the steering blade (teeth)is stamped maybe heat treated? I don’t know the blade could be forged also? but the dam bracket is stamped that’s ridiculous how they did that

[@aswasis]

BUY THE RACK ON AMAZON BUT MTD'S brand SAME! - said from another video watched. Bend about 1/8" too as he had shown.

[@zedcartwright5267]

I grease my steering gears about every time I need to go under the mower. A little sand won't hurt much since this is not a high speed operation with gears turned manually and slowly. Better to have grease with a little sand than to rubb metal to metal dry.

[@mikeymike758]

Just like a wife, grease her nipple and always check the rear end. Lol.... :-)

[@smittysbuilds]

i see why newer machines have plastic piece at the back of the bracket to push the bar against the pinion gear and loosen the play. should be able to find the newer design and switch it as the rest is the same.

[@petedymond]

See my other video for the MTD kit install

[@shannon1946]

I’m in the process of trying to fix this but can’t remove the nut from the plate below the rack and pinion… It turns but wont come off. This will be very expensive if I have to call a repair shop and get the shaft sawed off and replaced. 😡

[@petedymond]

Did you get it off?

[@shannon1946]

@@petedymond Thanks for following up, Peter. I haven’t gotten it off yet but I plan to use a Dremel to cut it off. I don’t believe that my rack and pinion gear is worn. I’m going to buy the MTD service kit that has a plastic insert that goes between the plate and the rack which I believe will solve the problem.

[@mikeymike758]

No disrespect, but I think your main problem was the loose intermediate steering shaft bolt. Great video thou. Cheers.

[@petedymond]

You're probably correct!

[@alfredoyates1303]

@@petedymond When trying to loosen "nut" at bottom of retaining- bracket, the entire wheel shaft turns left as well, hold to get the entire wheel shaft not to turn to enable the bottom nut to loosen up?

[@stevenspring2297]

lousy, design . have put 4 bars in don,t last. the part that screws everything up is the lower steer bracket part# 783-07239a what happens is the hole where the bolt rides on. they use it instead of a bearing! look at the video at 4:27 the hole is now oblong and has about 1/16 slop, that slop moves the pinion gear back away from the the teeth , tearing them up. also on the bracket fill in the top of the L just about 1/16 with epoxy this will stop the steering plate from racking. at the bottom of the L drill out just enough to let the teeth pass by , when it starts racking the teeth will hit it tearing it up too. the cause is people tend to PULL the steering wheel towards you while riding , wearing out the plate, hard to keep lubed, just piss poor design !

[@gitarzan99]

Design is poor on this particular mower but a 30 inch mower is much better than the bigger 42 inch mowers. The turning radius is almost as good as a zero turn. I have a John Deere 30 inch and it runs much faster and I can get much closer to obstacles than my bigger mower.

[@dddccc2695]

I have added a plate with 2 adjustable bolts that keep the rack in a better alignment with the pinion. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKeuoYypaMqLe9k&ab_channel=dddccc

[@petedymond]

That's pretty sweet!

[@jamesbuckner9497]

when you buy the teeth they’re bigger and better

[@jimkelly4286]

Either a brilliant design for planned obsolescence or a terrible design that should have been a free repair recall. Shame on Troybilt and Craftsman to keep using this.

[@joeklejko1391]

I bought one, Cheaply made and of poor quality. Toyota should made one.

[@petedymond]

Hah, then it would be $7,000 not $2,000!!

[@notaloneintokyo]

Yeah if you tighten it up too much it will wipe out the teeth against the gear

[@petedymond]

I just took a little slack out of it. It's certainly not tight enough to cause excessive or premature wear. Thanks for your comment

[@notaloneintokyo]

@@petedymond oh for sure. I like the way you did everything. I was more concerned about people trying to do it themselves that might not be overly familiar with this type of steering. Love your video

[@myfordranger]

i was going to buy one of these rear engine 30" riders but not now. seems like junk to me. to many flaws. cheap parts that wear out fast.

[@jamesbuckner9497]

I need a new gear in the teeth

[@jamesbuckner9497]

I just replaced mine and it works perfect

[@FuGui.W]

I have exactly the same one came from the house I purchased. Fairly new but same issue. This is garbage design. I will buy the gear part fix it and sell the junk. $500

[@petedymond]

It's a reliable mower, there's a steering upgrade kit available. I'm going to do a video on it soon.

[@FuGui.W]

@@petedymond yes pls

[@zedcartwright5267]

These are cheap and crappy mowers.

[@davidp2216]

I’m just finishing up my 5th season with my Craftsman version of this same mower (they are all built by MTD). Mine gets regular maintenance and cleaning... including the steering parts. It’s not a “cheap, crappy mower” at all. If you take care of your stuff as this man obviously does, they work great and hold up fine.