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Wife was out mowing the yard yesterday with the JD D170 we bought at an estate sale 2 years back. Sweet machine, replaced a Scotts 1642 that we'd had for ~23 years (was still working), and now she can cut an hour off mowing our lawn. She actually enjoys mowing the lawn so who am I to take that joy away from her? Anyway, she came in in a panic saying the right front wheel was falling off? Went out an sure enough it looked rather cockeyed? Took it off and it didn't look like it even had a bearing in it, more like just a one inch spacer, and only on the outer side of the hub opening! Nothing on the inner side of it next to the "cup" on the steering arm. We were both amazed that in the two years we had it we never noticed that it was a white hub instead of a yellow one. It's obviously had an aftermarket repair and a horrible one at that as you can see by the pics.
My question is, since this thing was riding cockeyed for as long as it did it, and it obviously has worn down the mounting rod next to the cup a little (you can feel a slight indention), is the situation bad enough that I need to replace the arm also?
Second question is whether there should be any spacing on that rod? On the left wheel, which appears to be an OEM JD wheel it doesn't appear to be held tight between the cup and the retainer washer/clip. Maybe less than 1/8" that could allow the wheel to move laterally ever so slightly? Don't know if they screwed with it also and just left some spacing washers off?
Your opinions are appreciated.

were it me I'd replace both wheels and the shaft. Things do wear out. But I tend to be a perfectionist on things, and prefer to do a repair again as seldom as possible. You might be able to find a good used one or aftermarket that is 90% as good as the original to avoid JD prices.

That wheel assembly was installed with very little grease and has not seen any new grease in a long time. Bearing failures are often sudden in cases like this. The small ball bearing come out and the wheel suddenly cocks sideways and wobbles.

That appears to be an aftermarket "universal rim, likely a hardware off the shelf part. That design typically has soft tin bearing that break out and fall apart and have no business on the front of a rider mower. Most likely it started life as a hand truck wheel assembly.

The original rims would have been yellow and have pressed in bearings.

That steering spindle shaft is pretty badly worn, I do not suggest trying to keep using it. Putting new parts against very worn/damaged parts, usually repeats breakdowns quickly. That inner bearing is what takes the most side load and shock when steering the rider back and forth while riding.

It would be best to replace both sides at the same time.

I have found that Ebay is usually pretty reliable for these parts but read the descriptions carefully and ask questions of the seller to clarify exact fit before purchase. I suggest both complete front rim and tire assemblies because you do not want to fight changing the tire over to a bare rim. Rider and small implement tires can be very difficult to fight with (even for a tire shop)

The JD dealer will be stupid expensive; the green parts store online is not much better.

I am not a fan of Amazon when it comes to any lawnmower/rider parts, so I don't recommend them.

A little machine history for you:

Already ordered a new set of tires off AMZ only to find out they wouldn't even go on the shaft though they are supposed to be for 3/4" spindle. The JD store doesn't want to give me specs or part numbers because they know I'll probably search for better pricing elsewhere. The steering spindles have to be ordered in pairs to get them here fast otherwise it's Sept. 16th before you could get just a right one. Again, AMZ. WIfe thinks the world is going to end cause she can't mow the yard! Almost funny but... Guess she loves that mower more than I thought?

Parts diagrams and numbers here:
https://www.weingartz.com/illustrat...kup/model-d170-100-series-tractor/4275-639849

Here is an idea. Go visit your local lawnmower savage yard. The GY21453 > AUC22510 is a common rim use on JD mowers. Then install new bushing or bearings. You might even find a good front spindle at the same time. Don't have to be new just in good shape.

Kenbu, THX! That will certainly come in handy in the future! Appreciate it.

Ordered a new set of wheels and spindles off AMZ. Should be in on Sunday so we'll see.

If not you first succeed, try, try again and again and again.... That free returns thing must be intoxicating.