On my 1554, the front wheels are pointed in at least 10 degrees and have a lot of play. It seems flimsy to begin with, but I'm wondering if I'm missing a stablizing part or something. Is there something in addition to the tie rods to maintain alignment? Are the tie rods known to bend?
Tie Rods or something
- Thread starter mrdibs
- Start date
gitractorman
501 Club
The tie rods (more specifically the tie rod ends) are the only things that control the alignment on the tractor. Yes, they can bend easily, especially on the cheapo 1000 series tractors like the 1554. They are quite flimsy. There is no stabilizer. It's also quite easy to bend a spindle or even bend the axle, and this happens often if you've hit a hole in the yard or a tree. Could be a combination of things. Unfortunately, you'll probably have to disassemble the front end, and look for a bent or broken piece. Things should look uniform (left to right) but the only way to know may be buying a new tie rod to see what it is supposed to look like. This is what a dealer would do, only charge you $50 an hour for labor.
Also, double check the front wheel bushings. There are no bearings in 1000 series tractor front wheels, they are just nylon bushings. Those obviously are easy to wear out and could give you the same condition. I'd start by jacking up the front end and looking for play in the wheels themselves.
Good luck!
Also, double check the front wheel bushings. There are no bearings in 1000 series tractor front wheels, they are just nylon bushings. Those obviously are easy to wear out and could give you the same condition. I'd start by jacking up the front end and looking for play in the wheels themselves.
Good luck!
Turns out the tie rod was bent. No other damage that I could see. I don't know what it's supposed to look like, so I bent it to a point where it doesn't touch anything and allows me to align the wheels with some adjustment remaining. The entire steering system is flimsy and cheap. It would cost $10 in extra steel to make it better, but I guess that would take away money for the useless cup holder.
Bill:
That sounds like my '92 Craftsman 12.5 Deluxe - Roper cheaped out on everything even the zirks - none on the US model but the Cdn model had them. Nylon bushings instead of bearings or even brass bushings... all to save $0.01 or $0.02/unit and increase profitability. Irritates me to think about it. I guess this is the reason why I jumped at the chance to get a IHCC 129. At least that puppy is built to last
gitractorman":1ffhkq25 said:
That sounds like my '92 Craftsman 12.5 Deluxe - Roper cheaped out on everything even the zirks - none on the US model but the Cdn model had them. Nylon bushings instead of bearings or even brass bushings... all to save $0.01 or $0.02/unit and increase profitability. Irritates me to think about it. I guess this is the reason why I jumped at the chance to get a IHCC 129. At least that puppy is built to last