YardMachine700SeriesRidersRepairManual

Steering and Front Axle

If the right wheel strikes an object hard enough, the steering link could bend. If the steering link rod is bent, inspect the other components for damage and replace as necessary.

To replace the steering link rod:

1. Raise the hood to gain access to the steering components behind the engine.

2. If desired, move the fuel tank and the fuel tank support bracket out of the way. See instructions in the steering gear replacement section of this chapter.

3. Remove the flange lock nut that fastens the steering link rod to the steering gear. Lift the rod up and out of the way. See Figure 3.19.

NOTE: There is a flange bushing inserted through the hole in the rod. Inspect for wear and replace if needed. Note the orientation of the steering rod and bushing.

4. Loosen the jam nut that locks the ball joint in position on the steering arm at the front axle. Hold the ball joint using a 1/2” wrench, and loosen the nut using an 11/16” wrench. Back the jam nut away from the ball joint a few turns.

5. Remove the steering arm from the axle as described in the axle bushing replacement procedure.

NOTE: This is preferable to separating the ball joint from the steering arm because the center-locking nut that secures the ball joint to the steering arm distorts the threads on installation. If you choose to remove the ball joint from the steering arm you will need to replace it.

6. Unscrew the ball joint from the steering link rod. NOTE: Make note of the orientation of the rod during disassembly.

7. Install a new flange bushing in the new steering arm. See Figure 3.21.

8. Install the rod in the reverse order of disassembly.

NOTE: The end of the steering link is off-set and coined flat. The side of the off-set end that is steppeddown faces away from the steering gear. Otherwise the drag link will interfere with the steering gear when connected to the steering arm and axle.

9. Perform a front wheel alignment as described in the next section.