YOU are a fantastic teacher! Thank you for going slowly, describing every step of the way, even down to the exact size of the sockets. I can't believe I was able to do this all by myself! Hope you are teaching classes somewhere - we need more like you!
Thank You so much for this video! My TB30R Steering went out today and it wasn’t the typical problem that most folks on TH-cam have been showing the fix for. Mine was the the bolt that holds the steering sleeve on to the steering shaft was gone and I had no idea how to get to it, or even what the issue was until I saw your video, because of your video I was able to get the issue fixed relatively quickly again thank you so much!!!
Definitely so! Gets to be that time of year in a few months where you can take a breath and make improvements and plans for the next year. We never want it to come but something that always does in this area no matter how big you are
Nice work, I am surprised that the pins that attach to the wheels don't have washers under the clips to help with wear and make them a little tighter. Thanks for a great video.
I believe I noticed that the two carriage bolts came through oval or elongated holes. I wonder if setting the tie rods in place prior to final tightening of all three bottom fasteners would allow the entire mechanism to align straight across, thereby eliminating as much friction in the assembly as possible. That tightening would be done after the wheels were aligned perfectly front to back, parallel with the frame.
They are fixed square holes and the middle hole can only come through in one spot. These would come away from the steering gear even easier if they allowed adjustment here in my opinion
Unfortunately, it’s in the nature of steering units like that - they’re in an environment where dust and debris will accumulate on them and wear out parts. The only way to avoid that would be to have a completely sealed unit which isn’t in this price point design. I’d probably use chain lube and include that as part of regular maintenance and service rather than any kind of grease because chain lube is designed not to allow anything to adhere to it.
Could work better. The major problem they have is that the cheap metal used for the guide plate mounting wears out because of the major pressure put on it and doesn't keep the plate close enough to the gear so the gears strip. I honestly don't think anything would help with this for the design
1/2" hex head bolt for battery keeper, I lost my bolt and i need a new battery this year. How long 1/2", 3/4", 1"? is it fine thread or coarse? I am in no way trying to be difficult, I just want to get the correct one the first time since the owners manual does not have the exact size listed that i can find.
@@IndRepair thank you. the steering, battery and carb(needs cleaned big time since did not use it last year) before we get to mowing this year. My youngest already has a job mowing a yard this year so I want the small mower ready for him to us instead of a bigger rider.
have you seen those "steering upgrade kits" for lawn tractors that contain roller bearings for the wheel axle to make it easier to turn the steering wheel? I've seen them installed on John Deer lawn tractors but will that also work on that Craftsman riding mower?
I have seen them and installed a few but I am not sure they sell ones that will work with this size shaft. Would have to measure to be sure and unfortunately don't have one in the shop anymore
@@IndRepair ah, ok. ya I've seen it done with several lawn tractors but never on that Craftsman riding mower yet. If it could be done, it should reduce the wear on the rack & pinion gear.
Better to be lubricated and have some debris in it than have friction is what they say. I have been torn both ways but think the grease probably does a little better than not greasing it
I personally would not put that much grease on the steering rack. Grease draws dirt. Dirt and grease make an abrasive paste. The new parts will wear out faster. Just my thoughts.
I could agree with either way honestly. Grease equals more dirt accumulation and less or none equals more friction, so I just go with what they tell us on this one
@@mrbubetube I agree, but how many people will do that? You can fix a machine, tell people what they need to do to help the machine not break down and they won't do it. I can't get my customers to use non ethanol fuel when it's available at local gas stations. I have a customer that has a gas can with no lid and he won't replace it or find a lid. People have become so lazy and willfully ignorant it's scary
YOU are a fantastic teacher! Thank you for going slowly, describing every step of the way, even down to the exact size of the sockets. I can't believe I was able to do this all by myself! Hope you are teaching classes somewhere - we need more like you!
I appreciate that! So glad you got it going!
Thank You so much for this video! My TB30R Steering went out today and it wasn’t the typical problem that most folks on TH-cam have been showing the fix for. Mine was the the bolt that holds the steering sleeve on to the steering shaft was gone and I had no idea how to get to it, or even what the issue was until I saw your video, because of your video I was able to get the issue fixed relatively quickly again thank you so much!!!
Awesome news! So glad to help!
You are great mechanic. Excellent troubleshooting. Skills
I appreciate that!
Thank you for another well filmed and easy to understand repair video for the same mower I have. Appreciated.
I appreciate that!
Thanks again. I suppose the only thing worse than having a shop full of mowers, is not having a shop full of mowers. :) Better busy than bored!
Definitely so! Gets to be that time of year in a few months where you can take a breath and make improvements and plans for the next year. We never want it to come but something that always does in this area no matter how big you are
Good evening, nice video, thanks
Hey there! I appreciate your comment, have a good day!
Another awesome video 📹!!!! Thank you!!!
I appreciate that!!
Another Good Video!
I appreciate that!
Nice work, I am surprised that the pins that attach to the wheels don't have washers under the clips to help with wear and make them a little tighter. Thanks for a great video.
I agree, don't think there is even enough room with where the hole is but these pins get worn out over time for sure
Man!!!!!,,,,You show some good stuff!!!!!!!!!!!
I appreciate that!
Great job. We might not have the same units, but we can use your techniques. Thanks.
Glad to help! Thanks for watching!
So talented! And very informative step by step. Thx
Thank you for your kind words of support!
An excellent video showing how to adjust the brakes would be helpful. You might also show how to replace the brake pad.
Good tip! I will put it on the list!
I believe I noticed that the two carriage bolts came through oval or elongated holes. I wonder if setting the tie rods in place prior to final tightening of all three bottom fasteners would allow the entire mechanism to align straight across, thereby eliminating as much friction in the assembly as possible. That tightening would be done after the wheels were aligned perfectly front to back, parallel with the frame.
They are fixed square holes and the middle hole can only come through in one spot. These would come away from the steering gear even easier if they allowed adjustment here in my opinion
@@IndRepair Yeah, you’re right. It was probably shadows in the video that I mistakenly thought were elongated holes. 👍
Nice job Martin on the repair but once I get past counting to 3 I'm lost. 😲🙂
Haha! I am telling you I still don't think I know how many tabs it has!
🤣👍🏼🤣
Unfortunately, it’s in the nature of steering units like that - they’re in an environment where dust and debris will accumulate on them and wear out parts. The only way to avoid that would be to have a completely sealed unit which isn’t in this price point design. I’d probably use chain lube and include that as part of regular maintenance and service rather than any kind of grease because chain lube is designed not to allow anything to adhere to it.
Could work better. The major problem they have is that the cheap metal used for the guide plate mounting wears out because of the major pressure put on it and doesn't keep the plate close enough to the gear so the gears strip. I honestly don't think anything would help with this for the design
1/2" hex head bolt for battery keeper, I lost my bolt and i need a new battery this year. How long 1/2", 3/4", 1"? is it fine thread or coarse? I am in no way trying to be difficult, I just want to get the correct one the first time since the owners manual does not have the exact size listed that i can find.
We use a 1/4-20 bolt 3/4" long this is a little different than the original because it is not square where it fits into the battery. 7/16" hex
@@IndRepair thank you. the steering, battery and carb(needs cleaned big time since did not use it last year) before we get to mowing this year. My youngest already has a job mowing a yard this year so I want the small mower ready for him to us instead of a bigger rider.
@@stevewaters9186 Definitely a great thing to teach your kids! Awesome job!
have you seen those "steering upgrade kits" for lawn tractors that contain roller bearings for the wheel axle to make it easier to turn the steering wheel? I've seen them installed on John Deer lawn tractors but will that also work on that Craftsman riding mower?
I’ve seen many videos on different makes doing this upgrade. You’re talking about “The Poor Man’s Power Steering” upgrade, right?
I have seen them and installed a few but I am not sure they sell ones that will work with this size shaft. Would have to measure to be sure and unfortunately don't have one in the shop anymore
It works well!
@@Rein_Ciarfella ya I've seen some videos call it poor man's power steering
@@IndRepair ah, ok. ya I've seen it done with several lawn tractors but never on that Craftsman riding mower yet. If it could be done, it should reduce the wear on the rack & pinion gear.
Wont all that grease just make more grass stick there and lead to another demise?
Better to be lubricated and have some debris in it than have friction is what they say. I have been torn both ways but think the grease probably does a little better than not greasing it
It amazes me how that manufacturers design everything so that it is just barely adequate to get the job done.
they definitely love to get it done cheap as possible and everyone wonders why they have issues!
Back in the day things were built to a standard, now they're built to a price point,
@@johncates5081 Definitely could not agree with you more!
I personally would not put that much grease on the steering rack. Grease draws dirt. Dirt and grease make an abrasive paste. The new parts will wear out faster. Just my thoughts.
I could agree with either way honestly. Grease equals more dirt accumulation and less or none equals more friction, so I just go with what they tell us on this one
it should be fine as long as you clean and re-grease it once a year
@@mrbubetube I agree, but how many people will do that? You can fix a machine, tell people what they need to do to help the machine not break down and they won't do it. I can't get my customers to use non ethanol fuel when it's available at local gas stations. I have a customer that has a gas can with no lid and he won't replace it or find a lid. People have become so lazy and willfully ignorant it's scary
Definitely so true!