T150 46 inch riding mower front end, steering loose

[TLloyd]

Hello,

This is my first riding mower so I’m learning a lot. We started using this in 2019.
I don’t have a nice flat lot. We have 3 1/2 acres out in the country. Probably the majority of what I cut is flat, but the steering is used a LOT!
There are many areas with angles/ruts/slopes that test the front end! I’ve probably put this Craftsman through rougher times than they ever did before they made it!
Please let me know of any other front end parts I need to consider looking at.

The photo – Looking at the left, between the black parts, just below the round silver part is where the vertical part is very loose. it will tilt left and right. If you look on the right side, on top of the black a’xle’, you might see where at times the nut on that upper plate will rub the axle.

I appreciate your time and any suggestions you might offer!

 

[sgkent]

normally on a suspension one has someone turn the wheel / levers while someone else watches the parts to see which have the most play. Then the worn parts get replaced. Pay attention for frame movement too, where the frame may be cracked. Some frames are prone to it, and sometimes there are kits to repair frame damage in certain models.

 

[TLloyd]

normally on a suspension one has someone turn the wheel / levers while someone else watches the parts to see which have the most play. Then the worn parts get replaced. Pay attention for frame movement too, where the frame may be cracked. Some frames are prone to it, and sometimes there are kits to repair frame damage in certain models.

Frames cracking????? I've not heard this one!!

 

[StarTech]

It does happen on some models as I have personally seen it here in my shop. But from the above description sound the axle bushing need replacing on that MTD made model.

Need model number from the serial number tag to look up the correct parts.