JD L120 steering pinion gear ....

Crazy Horse

Well-known Member
At the end of the steering column shaft on my JD L120 lawn mower, there is a small tapered pinion gear that drives a notched segment (which in turn results in steering control). My steering seems to be slipping a bit at the end of the turning extremes and I noticed that the pinion gear is worn badly in the center section so obviously is not engaging the sector very well.

My question refers to removal of the pinion gear from the shaft. I see a nut at the end of the shaft which is an easy removal I'm guessing, but how is the gear anchored to the shaft. Is it a tapered friction fit, maybe a keyway, any help is appreciated. I just want to be prepared once I start taking this apart to replace the gear.
 
Gear part number is GX20053 and the JD website doesn't show a key so I am assuming the shaft is splined. It could also be a friction fit, I haven't had one of those apart.
 
I am thinking the gear is splined to the shaft.

If the gear is worn out, probably the bushing next to it is worn out too. What usually happens is the bushing wears to the point the gear teeth move out to about 1/2 their normal mesh, then the tips of the gear teeth wear off.

Also, check the sector gear-the 1/2 gear the little gear meshes with, the tie rods attach to it-You may have to replace it as well to restore good steering to the tractor.
 

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