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I have the above tractor, and find that I have the greatest difficulty in solving a steering problem. There is far too much play in the steering and almost impossible to keep in a straight line, apparently the only solution is to strip and rebuild the steering mechanism. Any suggestions?

post your 7 digit model number

:welcome:

Welcome to the forum!

I'm going to move this thread over to our Simplicity section.

mechanic mark said:

post your 7 digit model number

Click to expand...

Simplicity Prestige 23HP Model No? 1094019. Malcolm

You may be able to do this your self but someone turning the steering wheel would be better. Have someone turn the steering wheel slowly while you watch all that goes on. When the steering wheel is turned and something does not turn with it you have found your problem. from there we can determine what needs to be fixed. Like a bushing or bearing or something else.

Hi, we have been through that exercise, but are really none the wiser, it looks as if there is no quick fix and we will have to strip the whole steering mechanism.

I also have "Steering Drift" on my Prestige, 588 hours.

New to this place but have been reading quite a bit on the web/other places and get the idea that there are plenty of bushings/bearings a wear plate and "J" pate (?) not o mention possible tie rod ends and a couple of collars that need looked at/replaced.

Gonna' comb thru this place and read all I can because I have yet to find a definitive answer.

I understand that if the power steering unit is good then it's the job of replacing all of the bushings and such that will cure the problem.
800 clams is a bunch of money to replace the power steering unit but understand they rarely go bad...is that correct? Or wishful thinking?

No body ever lubes their steering gear and naturally us techs never do it we just steal others peoples money & pretend we do.

It is a lawn mower and thus was built cheaply.
So you have the bushes in the steering stem for starters, then the rack / fan gear on the end of the steering stem, plus the gear that does the turning.
Then there are the tie rod ends , king pin bushes , front cross member bushes and wheel bushes and of course the roll pin that holds the wheel to the steering stem.
If you haven't got a IPL, get one make sure you use the serial number cause they make changes mid season.
most models have rebuild kits for the bushes .

bertsmobile1 said:

No body ever lubes their steering gear and naturally us techs never do it we just steal others peoples money & pretend we do.

It is a lawn mower and thus was built cheaply.
So you have the bushes in the steering stem for starters, then the rack / fan gear on the end of the steering stem, plus the gear that does the turning.
Then there are the tie rod ends , king pin bushes , front cross member bushes and wheel bushes and of course the roll pin that holds the wheel to the steering stem.
If you haven't got a IPL, get one make sure you use the serial number cause they make changes mid season.
most models have rebuild kits for the bushes .

Click to expand...

That's actually good news. 'techs never do it" (hard to find a good service shop)
"wear parts" that have been neglected...and can be replaced by anyone with a modicum of mechanical aptitude

I've downloaded all but the "service/shop" manual which I'll do when I've more time...will break out my wallet when I find what I'm looking for.

I'll run this mower with the inherent steering drift in the mean time and take it down for a full front end re-build this winter.

Good thing about Simplicity is you can replace them.
With a lot of mowers you can't
The one that gives the most grief is the bush at the bottom of the steering shaft as that allows the steering gear to either mesh deeper or shallower in the fan gear.
Very common to have some one come in complaining that their mower will only turn right.

^^Thanks, Bertsmobile1^^

Appreciate the info/your input.
I'm hoping I don't create more damage to the lower components but sounds like that's a real probability by keeping it in service with the current steering drift.
Dang it !

your model number is possibly 1694017, see pages 24 - 27 illustrated parts list.

https://www.simplicitymfg.com/na/en...s.productmanuals.html?searchrequested=1694017

https://www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/part/simplicity/1724470asm

just an example above

^^Thanks MechanicMark^^

I've printed all the manuals from Simplicity and made a binder for the garage.
I'd like to have more than the parts/electric manuals.
It's the "rack and pinion and a few bushings I'll be ordering, eventually.

Had followed a link I found on here for the 3rd party "Shop Manual" last time I logged on (can't recall the name rite now), When I clicked "Add To Cart" it wouldn't load.
I'll try to order again, soon or later, as it seems good technical service info is elusive on these Simplicity mowers.
My local Simplicity steelership (he's a really good guy, I do my chainsaw business with him) couldn't locate a service manual..