Steering Repair Lawn Tractor

Steering Repair Craftsman 38 Lawn Tractor

I need to repair the steering of a Craftsman 917.254551 12 HP Electric Start 6 speed 38" Lawn tractor. The lawn tractor has a lot of slack in the steering knuckle and now the ball and socket joint on one end of the drag link has come apart. Both the sector gear and pinion gear are in good shape, just a lot a slack in the knuckle assembly. I’ve listed the parts I think I need.

Sears priced the parts around two hundred dollars total, $100 for the drag link alone. The tractor is worth about $150 (I guess). I don't want to spend much more than a $100 on the repair.

Is there a kit I can buy to that would contain all parts needed to tighten up the steering knuckle?

Is there anything other parts I should also replace while I have it apart?

Can someone give me contact info of a reasonably price parts supplier that would carry the parts I need?

Key / PartNo / Description
55 / 105127X / Drag link

Steering Knuckle parts
10 / 109816X / Snap-in Nyliner
15 / 71208 / Bushing
58 / 1554J / Steering Bushing
54 / 3366R / Bearing

Pls include any other comments, advise or tips on this repair.
Thanks Mot

 

Your machine is made by AYP (American Yard Products) which is a division of Electrolux.

Sears simply buys the parts from them and marks it up. If you give those part #s to a small engine shop or place that deals in Roper/AYP/Sears parts (doesn't have to be Sears), they should be able to sell you the exact same part for a bit less.

I always find out the source of my Sears product (the first three digits before the period denote who makes it for them). For instance, my 536.82231 snow blower I bought last week (oldie!!!) is a Murray because 536 is the Sears' vendor # for Murray.

Try that and see what that nets you as far as cost. Can also call up AYP yourself and ask the question you asked here. AYP is part of Electrolux to my knowledge.

Good luck.

 

In my town there is a place that I can my sears ayp/parts.. So if you call around I bet you will find some place that can get the parts cheaper.. Might even be able to take the parts with you to some shops and find some other brand of them that will be cheaper... I would think most steering parts like connectors would be easy to find... Hope this helps....

Snapper......

 

I agree...check with your local lawnmower shop. They should have or be able to get these parts for much less. $200.00 sounds a bit steep for this stuff. As mentioned, American Yard Products (AYP) makes this machine. You will find the exact same parts on an older 36" or 38" Roper mower.

 

Mot, Mot:

Where did you get your prices for your Sears parts. I went to www3.sears.com and found your parts for $56.00 not encluding shipping and handling. I would think you could get all your parts for less then $75.00 to $80.00.
Who ever you got your quote from must of encluded labor to install them.

On that drag link, I have had some luck on pening that ball back in that socket.

LOL

 

Thanks everyone for your input. If I can fix this AYP for under a $100 then I believe she’s worth it. This weekend I will tear down the steering. I will check out the prices at Sears online. Then some local repair shops.

I will let yawl know how things turn out this weekend.

Rogerh
I think I will replace the draglink but was curious what your ideas were to put ball and socket back together?

My two ideas were to hammer the socket tighter but it wouldn't budge. Then thought of a sleeve to hold it but that probably wouldn't last.

As to the quote, it seemed steep to me also. It was received via phone from my Atlanta area Sears Service Center. I don’t no if they were to busy or what.


Thanks again everyone for your help.
Mot

 

rogerh
Thaks , sure wish I had found www3 sears com earlier. Found the parts as you suggested. Parts are on there way.

Part Description: Quantity: Part Number: Model Number: Price per unit: Cost:
nyliner 1 109816x 917254551 2.29 2.29
bushing 1 71208 917254551 2.49 2.49
link-drag 1 105727x 917254551 39.99 39.99
brng 1 3366r 917254551 2.16 2.16
kit.bush.str 1 155108 917254551 2.59 2.59
washer 1 6266h 917254551 4.19 4.19
ring 2 12000029 917254551 2.16 4.32

Subtotal: 58.03

Shipping & Handling: 11.99

Tax: 4.90

Total: 74.92

Thanks again
Mot

 

Hey

Well got it tore down but Sears sent the wrong drag-link. Also, now I see that the Steering Bracket and and the Steering Rod has received a lot of wear. Anywho, heres a pic of the Tamed Beast.

http://www.motster.hopto.org/lawntractor/MVC-204F.JPG

more pics

http://www.motster.hopto.org/lawntractor/

Will update when new parts arrive.

Mot