Great how to vide on cub cadet front wheel alignment. I ran into the same issue with my cub cadet XT-1 yesterday. I was thinking about the hassle of taking my riding mower to the mechanic, when I stumbled upon your video. The explanations are refreshingly to the point, and easy to follow. Thank you very much.
1-2 degree Toe-In is the preferred alignment for a riding mower. Forward motion will cause the tires to pivot back atleast 1 degree due to the slack in the suspension design..
Suppose to have 1/8' to 1/4" toe in on front tires. I get one tire adjusted straight ahead with the steering wheel straight ahead and use flat washers as spacers to tighten the hold down nut with just a few turns then measure with a tape the amount of thread showing past where the tie rod end screws to the tie rod. Then I screw the other tie rod end onto the rod leaving the same amount of thread as the other one. Put tie rod end on with washers so it only takes a few turns to tighten it and check the toe in by measuring the distance between the rear of the front tires and the distance between the front of the front tires and adjust each side a little from there if necessary to get the 1/8 to 1/4" toe in. Then take the washers off and tighten the hold down nut and the 11/16" rod lock nut. I don't bother with lining up the rear tires with the front tires.
My brand new Husqvarna TS 354XD has a really bad toe-in that could be easily seen while in was still in the crate, and there is no evidence of component damage. My guess is sloppy factory worker workmanship. I suspect that this problem is something the dealership shop is supposed to check after uncrating it. but I bought mine still crated and had it shipped by truck since no local store had one on hand. Who knows how punctual dealerships are on checking out such things? Most of them are probably satisfied if the machine will start and run properly. Most buyers probably wouldn't notice a front end alignment issue. I did, but I used to be a heavy equipment mechanic. Perhaps your mower started out bad from the factory as well. No matter what: you should look for bent brackets and arms by comparing how each side looks. You can find UA-cam Vids on straightening them out if necessary. One guy said they are fairly inexpensive to buy if you need to buy one.
Left front tire on my 2008 MTD Yard Machine has issue. Left tire at bottom kicks in a little. Not alot but can tell differ enough. Right side is straight on. Don't appear to be any damage to rods or axle. The rod with the ajustment you made at the end of it I have. Would ajusting that kick my bottom tire back out? Or buy a new left axle tire rim goes on?
If nothing looks bent I would start by looking at the wheel bearing. If the tire "leans" to one side that would be the culprit if all other parts are not bent. If you have a bent axle rod you could try straightening it or replace. The adjustment I made is for tow in or out, I do not think it would affect lean.
Thanks for input and time. Good call on bearings. That would cause that. However my luck I forgot to mention.... I just brought four new tires and rims yesterday along with bearings. I installed them ( needed new tires ) and bearings. Tire still kicks in at bottom a little. Now if it's on a lift I can grab tire and there is slight play that moves the bottom almost back to straight. Oddly my axle shaft looks fine and not worn least to me. This mower also was brought used so who knows history. I assume with your input and new bearings etc it's time to spend 25 so bucks and just put a left axle on it and see what I get. I thought about bending the shaft myself. I kinda have to toss that idea as I don't really have a vice and right stuff to bend/heat what ever.
Will do and will update in few days after the 4th and mail. I ordered the orig direct part from MTD. As I could of saved a good deal used but do not know history and if that used part is bent any. Part being- Axle Assembly (LH) .
Isn't it easier to measure between the front tires at the front, and the back. Get the measurements, divide it by half. Then adjust the tie rod ends the distance that your measurements gave you. Then verify if that was correct, are may have to slightly adjust after until you have equal measurements between the two points of measurement. I mean I understand what you're doing, but adding a lot of distance between the front and back tires, and having to have a true straight edge . A lot of variables that way, when you can pick a fixed point on both tires, and mark then with whatever to keep constant locations to use as reference points.
You can only crank that knuckle out so far and you will run out of thread. Best if you can divide evenly on both sides. I think you have a bent control arm. Just saying.
Just bought my first ever riding mower a cc lgt1054 it seems that the right tire stops spinning when I turn the wheel I notice the control arm pushing against th rim when I turn the wheel any suggestions?
It sounds like it had been wrecked into a tree, likely bent or broken parts or cracked frame. Study both sides while pointing straight ahead and see what is different. Nothing should rub. If it is new or bought used from a dealer "Take it back"! You can find the part numbers on CC website, then buy on eBay or www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/
I have no clue but the black clip must be how it is retained. If yours fell apart there are replacements on eBay for $10. Just verify the correct part# for your unit.
I'm so aggravated I got a Cub Cadet 1550 tractor. I got new rods for the staring and the wheels are still not straight. The ball joints are screwed all the way on and the shaft is still too long. So if I put the right wheel straight the left one is far left. I feel like I'm missing something
Welp we tried fixing it and realized the rod was bent so we tried bending it back but I guess from where it's been sitting for so long we broke the rod so more than likely were just going to get a new cc next year
Other than 100 percent greasing every moving part nothing. The single best thing I did was buy a zero turn, they are effortless. Watch my Hustler brand video. They now sell a 10hp model.
This is the question why did it get out of alignment in the firsts place????? I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. So there is know reason that the shit would get so far out and jerry rig the tie rods to fix it
Something wore out or something was bent to have to do this I would rather find the cause of the issue than rig it like any one could do with half a sense to them. I have a shit load of toe in I can cut my steering rods straighten them up and weld them but what was the issue? Know one should have to do that.
Great how to vide on cub cadet front wheel alignment. I ran into the same issue with my cub cadet XT-1 yesterday. I was thinking about the hassle of taking my riding mower to the mechanic, when I stumbled upon your video. The explanations are refreshingly to the point, and easy to follow. Thank you very much.
Thank you for watching! Check out my other Cub and DIY videos
Thank you sir, own a small business and just threw out alignment mowing pretty bad. This helped and saved me a day of frustration. Simple.
Thank you for watching! Check out my other mower and trimmer videos.
1-2 degree Toe-In is the preferred alignment for a riding mower. Forward motion will cause the tires to pivot back atleast 1 degree due to the slack in the suspension design..
Or, 1/8" toe-in, that's what MTD (Yardman) calls for.
Good job, buddy. I’m doing the same thing right now.
@@asadalsalihi3315 Thanks for watching! Lot's of Cub videos on my channel
Suppose to have 1/8' to 1/4" toe in on front tires. I get one tire adjusted straight ahead with the steering wheel straight ahead and use flat washers as spacers to tighten the hold down nut with just a few turns then measure with a tape the amount of thread showing past where the tie rod end screws to the tie rod. Then I screw the other tie rod end onto the rod leaving the same amount of thread as the other one. Put tie rod end on with washers so it only takes a few turns to tighten it and check the toe in by measuring the distance between the rear of the front tires and the distance between the front of the front tires and adjust each side a little from there if necessary to get the 1/8 to 1/4" toe in. Then take the washers off and tighten the hold down nut and the 11/16" rod lock nut. I don't bother with lining up the rear tires with the front tires.
Thanks for making this video. Now I know how to align the front tires.
Give them a little toe-in. 1/4" Thanks for watching! Lot's of other vids.
I had to align mine, too. I snapped a chalk line on the driveway to line the front with the rear...
Keep'n it real over there. Love it. Thanks for the vid brother, felt like I was right there wit ya.
Thank you for watching!
I'm real glad it's just an adjustment thing here I was thinking I'd have to take the tires off
Thanks for watching! Lots more lawn tractor videos here.
Well, I guess after watching your video I should adjust my alignment on my Cub. (front tires don't have any tread remaining) lol
I don't recall ever seeing bald tires on a mower. Thank you for watching! Check out my other mower videos 😄.
Thanks! With your advice I got my front wheels aligned.
Thank you for watching! You will like this video also. ua-cam.com/video/Baa-4xv-upE/v-deo.html
Thank you!!! You helped me a lot!!!
Thank you for watching! Check out my other Cub Cadet videos.
Getting ready to follow your instructions. After one season left tire is flared out a little. What causes this? Any ideas?
Usually from banging into a root or sidewalk edge. But wear, bad part, loose parts, or cracked frame can play a part.
@@sixty9harleyPittsburghPAP Thanks for your help.
@@abladen1329 Your welcome! Check out my other videos 😀
My brand new Husqvarna TS 354XD has a really bad toe-in that could be easily seen while in was still in the crate, and there is no evidence of component damage. My guess is sloppy factory worker workmanship. I suspect that this problem is something the dealership shop is supposed to check after uncrating it. but I bought mine still crated and had it shipped by truck since no local store had one on hand. Who knows how punctual dealerships are on checking out such things? Most of them are probably satisfied if the machine will start and run properly. Most buyers probably wouldn't notice a front end alignment issue. I did, but I used to be a heavy equipment mechanic. Perhaps your mower started out bad from the factory as well. No matter what: you should look for bent brackets and arms by comparing how each side looks. You can find UA-cam Vids on straightening them out if necessary. One guy said they are fairly inexpensive to buy if you need to buy one.
Big help!! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for watching! Check out my other videos!
Great job. Stay blessed.
Thanks for the video.
Left front tire on my 2008 MTD Yard Machine has issue. Left tire at bottom kicks in a little. Not alot but can tell differ enough. Right side is straight on. Don't appear to be any damage to rods or axle. The rod with the ajustment you made at the end of it I have. Would ajusting that kick my bottom tire back out? Or buy a new left axle tire rim goes on?
If nothing looks bent I would start by looking at the wheel bearing. If the tire "leans" to one side that would be the culprit if all other parts are not bent. If you have a bent axle rod you could try straightening it or replace. The adjustment I made is for tow in or out, I do not think it would affect lean.
Thanks for input and time. Good call on bearings. That would cause that. However my luck I forgot to mention.... I just brought four new tires and rims yesterday along with bearings. I installed them ( needed new tires ) and bearings. Tire still kicks in at bottom a little. Now if it's on a lift I can grab tire and there is slight play that moves the bottom almost back to straight. Oddly my axle shaft looks fine and not worn least to me. This mower also was brought used so who knows history. I assume with your input and new bearings etc it's time to spend 25 so bucks and just put a left axle on it and see what I get. I thought about bending the shaft myself. I kinda have to toss that idea as I don't really have a vice and right stuff to bend/heat what ever.
Good luck!
Will do and will update in few days after the 4th and mail. I ordered the orig direct part from MTD. As I could of saved a good deal used but do not know history and if that used part is bent any. Part being- Axle Assembly (LH) .
It is PROBABLY worn bushing in the steering gear under the mower. Those bushings are "snap-in" PLASTIC. Easy to replace and CHEAP!
Have you’ll seen the new style of zero turn riding mower that turns twice as close as old style
Solid front axle and it’s cool 😎
It's also MUCHO DOLLARO!!!
Isn't it easier to measure between the front tires at the front, and the back.
Get the measurements, divide it by half.
Then adjust the tie rod ends the distance that your measurements gave you.
Then verify if that was correct, are may have to slightly adjust after until you have equal measurements between the two points of measurement.
I mean I understand what you're doing, but adding a lot of distance between the front and back tires, and having to have a true straight edge .
A lot of variables that way, when you can pick a fixed point on both tires, and mark then with whatever to keep constant locations to use as reference points.
That would create the possibility of them both being crooked. Just cuz they’re parallel don’t mean they’re straight.
OR, set toe-in at 1/8", what MTD calls for!
You can only crank that knuckle out so far and you will run out of thread.
Best if you can divide evenly on both sides. I think you have a bent control arm. Just saying.
Just bought my first ever riding mower a cc lgt1054 it seems that the right tire stops spinning when I turn the wheel I notice the control arm pushing against th rim when I turn the wheel any suggestions?
It sounds like it had been wrecked into a tree, likely bent or broken parts or cracked frame. Study both sides while pointing straight ahead and see what is different. Nothing should rub. If it is new or bought used from a dealer "Take it back"! You can find the part numbers on CC website, then buy on eBay or www.jackssmallengines.com/jacks-parts-lookup/
On the ball joint, what keeps the ball in the socket? Retaining clip?
I have no clue but the black clip must be how it is retained. If yours fell apart there are replacements on eBay for $10. Just verify the correct part# for your unit.
@@sixty9harleyPittsburghPAP Just hope you DON'T NEED that top nut (3/8X24). They are $18 A PIECE!!!!!!
I'm so aggravated I got a Cub Cadet 1550 tractor. I got new rods for the staring and the wheels are still not straight. The ball joints are screwed all the way on and the shaft is still too long. So if I put the right wheel straight the left one is far left. I feel like I'm missing something
It sounds like they gave you the wrong parts. Compare your old parts. If they are identical then you may have a bent-loose-cracked frame.
Sending you good vibes 🙏🤗
i have this problem on my husqvarna, could this also be why the tractor takes a ten feet turning radius just to do a u-turn?
I believe so, they just slide instead of rolling in the turn.
@@sixty9harleyPittsburghPAP i just got the mower so i hope i can solve this myself will have a look tomorrow..thanks
I believe the proper adjustment is around 1/8th inch toe in, not straight ahead, but hey if your crooked steering wheel don't bug you..........
How much toe in did you end up with ???
1/8"
Welp we tried fixing it and realized the rod was bent so we tried bending it back but I guess from where it's been sitting for so long we broke the rod so more than likely were just going to get a new cc next year
ouch! That rod should be available at a local lawn junk dealer. My new ride! ua-cam.com/video/OLlsTFI2bWs/v-deo.html
brilliant!
Thank you for watching! Check out my other Cub videos.
I don’t do the utube because of time and taking care of my sick wife
She’s the brain and I’m the labor
lol 😂
What would cause the front end to be THAT much out of alignment?
Worn parts, and ramming roots.
How could it get that far out of alignment to begin with?
Over the years I ran into a few... quite a few things. Roots!
im a old man with bad arms how can i make my steering easier? on my older poulan pro 11hp ride on mower
model pp1136A
Other than 100 percent greasing every moving part nothing. The single best thing I did was buy a zero turn, they are effortless. Watch my Hustler brand video. They now sell a 10hp model.
add weight to the rear!!!
Add "Electric Steering"! There gotta be a YT video showing how to do it!
It is such a pain to align them, i am yet to get it right
If they go crooked again after alignment you may have a broken part or cracked frame. Thank you for watching! Check out my other Cub videos.
I have to try this again. Could not get the bolt off.
Had same problem on my 2005 Yardman, they used "Loctite RED". Had to grind the nut off with angle grinder, cost me $18 for ONE new nut!!!!! INSANE!
This is the question why did it get out of alignment in the firsts place????? I HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. So there is know reason that the shit would get so far out and jerry rig the tie rods to fix
it
Something wore out or something was bent to have to do this I would rather find the cause of the issue than rig it like any one could do with half a sense to them. I have a shit load of toe in I can cut my steering rods straighten them up and weld them but what was the issue? Know one should have to do that.
@@twinv63 On this unit it was wear and roots in the yard. A fair amount of abuse contributed also. Thanks for watching!
Also sometimes they ship like this and people do not align as recommended
Buy battery tender for long battery life!
Moving battery AWAY from the heat of the engine and putting it UNDER the seat (ala MTD Yardman) will do MORE for prolonging the life of your battery!
help - my alignment is still fucked and I'm to the end of the bolts.
You will need new parts, check frame for cracks, loose bolts underside also.
Need to realign your deck wheels also! Just saying!
Yinz need ta quit hittin potholes n at!
I droved inta the CRICK! I am such a jagoff..
Or riding over curbs! LOL
I don't see anything adjustable on my Craftsman. Alignment is way off, almost as bad as yours but to the outside.
Alignment not battery
He wanted to show off his BIG battery!
Hahahahahahaha! LOL
After 14 years and many many repairs I got a new ride! ua-cam.com/video/OLlsTFI2bWs/v-deo.html