Fix Sloppy Steering on a Riding Mower!

In this video, I discuss causes of slop in a lawn or garden tractor steering system, and fix them one by one. There are several things that could make your steering loose, or have extra play when turning left to right. These include an out of adjustment steering box jam nut, worn or loose ball joints or tie rod ends, loose nuts or bolts on anything connected to the steering column or steering box, or other worn parts to the steering system like a worn out steering box.
The tractor we are working on is a 1981 Cub Cadet 782, which will be nearly identical to a 582 or 682 in terms of the steering system. Nearly all cub cadet tractors will have a very similar setup, as well as john deere, simplicity, kubota, or any other riding mower. A very lightweight riding mower may not have a steering box but the process will be the same. This will also apply to larger tractors.

[@mkollander99]

Thank you for sharing

[@dianasimon2060]

Replace steering rod ends with heim joints. The follower inside the steering box can be rotated, as the sides of it wear off . Rotate ninety degrees. That will take out the play. On the heim joints, use a bolt and nylon insert locknuts. There is an upgrade to the steering box. Take off both locknuts, and put on a needle thrust bearing. Then use a nylon insert locknut/jam nut. Leave off the lock nuts. I did this on my 108. I think it helped some on making the steering easier.

[@CoolStuffGuysLike]

Thanks for the tips!