OT-Cub Cadet Steering

G6 at Snook, TX

Well-known Member
Do any of you have experience with the Cub Cadet LT 1046 series lawn tractors in the mid 2000s? Specifically, I have a problem with the steering. The front wheels are loose and wobble. I have tried to tighten the drag links, but it will not tighten and has too much slop. Have any of you tackled this problem before on this type of model? From what it looks like, I have worn out drag links and will have to be replaced.

This lasted 7 years; my 8n lasted 50, and I got a good used replacement from John Smith and that should last years too.
 
What type of steering ? Is it a "rack and pinion" deal(shaft from wheel has a 'rack' and drives a gear cut pinion)? If so , get out the manual, they are adjustable. HTH
 
(quoted from post at 00:45:35 04/17/13) Do any of you have experience with the Cub Cadet LT 1046 series lawn tractors in the mid 2000s? Specifically, I have a problem with the steering. The front wheels are loose and wobble. I have tried to tighten the drag links, but it will not tighten and has too much slop. Have any of you tackled this problem before on this type of model? From what it looks like, I have worn out drag links and will have to be replaced.

This lasted 7 years; my 8n lasted 50, and I got a good used replacement from John Smith and that should last years too.

I have a LT 1045 with only 120 hours on it. Steering is still ok, but everything else is wearing out. Biggest piece of junk I ever wasted money on. Never again will I buy anything made by MTD. We got took.
 
Had a similar problem with a Troybitl. Turns out that there was a hex shaped bushing at the bottom of the steering shaft hat was made out of some sort of black plastic that had worn out. Replaced it with a bronze bushing from the dealer and voila, steering was good again. only cost a few bucks and was easy to install.
 
I remember 15 ys ago buying a 700$ economy murray rider mower. 12.5hp and 42 " cut.

all my friends told me i was waisting my money and to buy john deere..e tc.

my friend bought jd. in those 15ys he's on his 3rd one.. :)

I've still got the old murray.

engine runs fine. need to replace the oring at the oil fill tube... ZI've had to re-thread a spindle.. and deck is about shot.. been thru a few belts and 6 sets of blades.. tires need air once a year.. but starts like a champ. only 3rd battery too.

I keep wondering how long it's gonna last. IMHO.. deck is gonna go soon and that will kill it. not worth putting a new deck on that old of a machine.
 
I think it was the rack that was getting wallowed out and loose. I tightened it as best I can, and the steering is tighter, but it, along with the tie rods have play in it that I can't adjust or tighten out. I think the main culprit is that my yard is not flat as a pancake and has dog holes and side walks I have to cross. That said, I don't go flying over the sidewalks to cross them, I don't like tearing up equipment, but you have to hit it an angle an jars the steering. Also, I don't think my hired hands have always used the same care I have. The machine has 89 hours on it.

All said, the Hustler dealer is having a sale this weekend, and the owner is a man of integrity. The Hustler Fastrak, 48in, may be in my future. Should have bought one instead of the Cub when steel and rubber was so much cheaper. As an aside, our local SCAG dealer offered me a great deal on an off-season (November) zero turn Tiger Cat in 2009, now it is in the $8,000 area. I didn't take it because I had a good Cub. Oh well.

But if I can fix what I have I will do that first. John is right though, the Cub Cadet is not a heavy duty machine compared to its ancestors--and the thing is I bought it on that old reputation.
 

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