Model 917.252522

When turning to the right no problem... when turning to the left if too sharp the left front wheel will turn further than the right and cock almost perpendicular to the front to rear centerline of the tractor...

This evening I removed the wheel expecting to see a bad bearing in the hub, but they both (inner and outer) appear OK. The axle where it goes through the hub is also OK.

It therefore appears to be suspension or steering related?

Any ideas appreciated.

I should also note that the turning radius to the right is noticeably larger than to the left (i.e. can make sharper left turns than right... at least I could before the wheel began cocking if too far)

Thanks, Bob K

There are adjustments to the rods connecting your steering. I'd shorten/tighten the rod on the left front wheel.

Thanks for the response sir but there is no adjustment to this front end. Only fixed links.

Bob K

Bob, take a close look with a flashlight. There should be one rod running into another rod, they thread onto each other. You usually have to disconnect one end, turn the rod clockwise in your situation and reinstall. I'll tyr to dig up a manual for you. Bob

PS play with this site, I could not find your model number http://www.searspartsdirect.com/part...2522&pop=flush

Thanks again Bob and I'll check for adjustment again. I'm looking right at my Owners Manual with model number 917.252522. When I searched the website you gave me and removed the word Model it opens fine.

Even if there is a tie rod like adjustment I don't misalignment would be the issue. It probably could even out the turn radii but not fix the main problem. The tractor tracks OK if driving straight and is OK if turning right (even though the turning radius is larger), but if turning left there is a point that if I turn the steering wheel any further left the left front wheel will suddenly turn much further to the left and stop rotating (because it is pointing almost 90 degrees to the left).

Tonight I took the right front wheel off to compare bushings and they sure look the same in both hubs. Tomorrow I will reassemble with right wheel on left and vice versa and test drive to confirm the issue still exists... if it does then I've ruled out the wheel bushings. Of course if the LF wheels cocks to the left again I'll dismount and check carefully to see what is allwoing this to happen.

Thanks again, Bob K

Dah on me, I just copied what you had and never thought about the word model, my bad. If you adjustthat one side just a few turns it will still track OK, you need some toe in on a tractor. I dopn't recal;l a mechanical stop or anything and its too darn cold and wet in Chicago for me to go out to the shop tonight. I'll be moving lots of equipment this weekend and get under my Sears L1000

I'll check for the adjustment again... working in mini-barn with flashlight... with back against something regardless of where it's at :) Be lucky if I get the wheels back on... LOL.

Columbus, IN here... about 40 miles south of Indy.

Will advise.

Bob

You are cold and wet tonight too, try Captain Morgan and hot cider before you good back outside. The wheel won't go on any better but you won't care.

Hey Bob just thought I'd let you know that the cold weather and innate laziness has kept me from doing any more than reinstalling the front wheels (left on right, and right on left) to the tractor. Both side's wheel bushings looked OK but being on opposite sides than before will now confirm if wheel related.

Will test drive and advise if the left still "cocks" when the left turn gets tight... looked again for a tie rod like adjustment but didn't see it. Have some auto ramps that I will drive onto so I can get my head underneath to confirm.

Bob

You know what Bob, I put mine away for the winter yesterday and forgot to even check it. Guess the Captain and I were just enjoying the snow, we didn't get 12" like you folks in IN. Stay warm, Bob

Well I got the mower out yesterday for a final cut/leaf pickup and the left front wheel cocking when turning left too sharply still exists. I'd removed the wheels to confirm bushing (not bearings) were OK and they were. Just for grins I replaced the wheels on opposite side of original and there is no difference... confirming not wheel/bushing related.

I was in a hurry so did not intentionally cause the problem to see what it is... well have a relatively warm day in the next few weeks and I'll do so then... maybe today :)

Happy Turkey Day :)

Bob K

Well Bob... it's me again and I just thought I'd let you know that the problem still exists and there still isn't any adjustment links on the front end :)

Bob K

Some mowers are set up to cut sharp on the left to get close to things when you mowing.
If you want to change the cutting radis you will have to remove the drive gear and reset it part # 27

I also have a craftsman lawn tractor and I was having the same issue. My wheel was turning so far that the front wheel was interfering with and lifting the mower deck on sharp turns.

I just purchased and installed a steering connector rod (connects the steering wheel / gear assembly to the front steering assembly). Before installing, I compared it to the old one which was 3/4 of an inch shorter. While the tractor still turns sharper one direction than the other, the front wheel is no longer interfering with the mower deck..

The steering rod was around $75 Canadian including shipping.

Hope this helps.

I had same problem. Found out the axle is cracked so the left wheel flexes more than the right and rolls under in turns causing it to lock and turn sideways and try to get under the mower deck. Order a new axle forabout $52 from Sears. I spent a year thinking it was linkages and never finding the problem.

One way to know if your problem is the same is lift engine cover and look straight down on axle and you will see left povit bearing for wheel is angled back more than right.