Husqvarna Garden Tractor Mower Poor Man's Power Steering: How To Reduce Steering Effort for Cheap

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In this video, I show how to install a set of needle roller bearings on a Husqvarna GTH52-XLS to improve steering effort.

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Equipment Seen in this Video:

Front Wheel Bearing Upgrade Video:

150 Hrs. Service on this mower:

4 Year Review on this mower:

5 Year Update on this mower:

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#husqvarna, #gardentractor, #mowermaintenance, #lawnmower, #steering, #diy, #repair, #maintenance, #howto, #budgetfriendly, #lawncare, #ridingmower, #lawntractor, #yardtractor, #homestead, #homesteading

[outdoorsinoregon]

For those who are looking to do this, the roller bearing details are listed in the video description.

[WayneTucker-htup]

I just did this procedure on my Dixon tractor. Just love it!!! I'm 80 years old and any good relief is appreciated! THANX for the video!

[manovawater]

The steering effort has been one of my earliest concerns and thought about doing the same thing. I'm glad you did the legwork and sold me on it! Thanks a bunch!

[benjaminbaker]

This worked great! I added these needle roller bearings and combined it with a steering wheel knob. Steering is much easier and I really notice a significant difference.

[dennisoneal]

Done this on my Husqvarna, and it made a big difference in steering, Great upgrade!

[whtcuda]

Did ours a couple years ago….great upgrade …two👍🏿👍🏿up….

[billryland]

I added the bearings to my Husqvarna TS-348D garden tractor. The steering effort was reduced from a real struggle to being able to steer with 2 fingers. Thanks for the info! This will help my old arms and shoulders. The dust caps are now loose and I will have to find a way to hold them on.

[PainterD]

I didn't notice much difference when I did mine like that. I guess greased bushings are pretty much just as smooth as bearings, but will help the shaft last longer.

[scark]

As a Husqvarna owner, I find it amazing how cheaply mine is made. I have YTH24V54. I have had to build my own frame for it as mine was so thin it cracked in 4 places. I did the power steering fix two years ago as well as the ball bearings in the wheels. My right front wheel bushing wore out in less than a year and it wallowed out the wheel itself! The steering arms have bent, and that is just from driving it. I have never hit anything with them. My terrain is uneven but not grossly so. The only thing good about my mower is that the Briggs and Stratton engine always starts! I will never buy another Husqvarna.

[Craig.]

After watching I was keen to adopt this mod' on my Kubota T1670 but on inspection it's all a solid construction and cap welded at the steering axle point so unable to disassemble. It's pretty light however once greased up.

[earlsshow]

Next??? Wheel bearing upgrade?. Replace the sleeve bushing with bearings.

[gordbaker]

I did this on my J. Deere X320 recently. It had a 1/2" thick Plastic bushing on the spindle beneath the Axle Beam. I don't believe all JD tractors have this bushing. New bearings were $8.50 for 2 on Amazon. $73.00 plus tax at J.D. dealer!
I installed the needle bearings after carefully greasing them. The needle bearings are also called Torrington Thrust Bearings..They fit well.
I NOTICED NO DIFFERENCE AT ALL in Steering Effort. Very disappointing.

[vincentbonello]

I liked the cotter pin tool. Craftsman??

[patrickflohe]

Wouldn’t those bearings get a lot of dirt in them?
I know when mowing my yard, and the previous place I had too, there would be a lot of dirt kicked-up when mowing.
I’d think the dirt would ruin them pretty quickly, but who knows.

[richkay]

Keep in mind, every mod has cause and effect. You solve one problem but potentially create another. Those greased needle bearings will in theory will lessen the steering effort but now you have exposed needle bearings that will absorb dirt . That dirt could cause accelerated wear and eventually the bearings will bind and create the need for increased frequent bearing cleaning and lubrication. So choose your needs accordingly

[DavidD]

I've got the YTH18542 my steering slips and always feels like it's about to break something. I'll try this, but is there any other part that wears easily? Mower's probably 5 years old.

[danburland]

What are the bearings called? Where do you buy them?

[zdiddyu]

Next Video how about one relating to a seat upgrade? Don't understand why other mowers have springs and all Husqvarna has is the 2 rubber pegs that make it feel like your riding a mechanical bull. Just a idea for a upcoming video. Thanks

[manovawater]

Folks I think the gentleman's concern was increased effort as his bushing may have begun to deteriorate. Your/my result may vary depending on brand, model, and mileage.

[MeowMeow]

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