John Deere 316 Steering Stiff??

[CT77]

I've owned my 316 for 15 years now. Always keep up on maintenance. The last 2 times I've mowed, the steering has been really stiff! I greased all the pivot points as I always do, no change. Today, I jacked the front end off the ground. With the wheels up, it turns just fine. I greased everything again, lubed anything I could see moving and tried again. It's a little better, but still harder to turn than normal. I know this isn't power steering, but I know my mower. Something isn't right. Am I missing something? Any recommendations? Thanks!

[rwmeyer]

CT, Do you have a zerk on the steering box? My 314 has one on the bottom...difficult to see and lube. Also, check shaft(s) between steering box and drag link (outside of frame). Another possibility is tire pressure...huge difference in my 314 if tires are low. Just a few thoughts, Bob

[CT77]

Tire pressures are good, I lubed the shaft. I'll check the steering box again, don't remember seeing one, but I'll double check that. Thanks.

[KennyP]

Got a serial n that 316 so we can see what needs lubed?

[CT77]

got a serial n that 316 so we can see what needs lubed?

Serial # M00316X285473
Not sure it matters, but the engine was replaced with an Onan.

[KennyP]

That's an 84 year model.

The OM doesn't say anything about a grease zerk in the steering box!

[CT77]

That's an 84 year model.

The OM doesn't say anything about a grease zerk in the steering box!

Ok, I didn't think so. Couldn't find one. Thanks.

[AJgrn78]

i have the same production year 316, have never experienced difficult steering. The fact that without weight on the front it turns fine makes me think something is binding in the spindles. Do the spindles have excessive wear, such that when the front is lifted your front wheels have a lot of slop on the axles?

[CT77]

i have the same production year 316, have never experienced difficult steering. The fact that without weight on the front it turns fine makes me think something is binding in the spindles. Do the spindles have excessive wear, such that when the front is lifted your front wheels have a lot of slop on the axles?

That could be possible. There is some slop, nothing excessive I don't think. I tore it apart tonight, regreased everything, sprayed rust penatrant on both u joints. Letting it sit over night. I'm almost thinking the upper u joint was binding (closest to the steering wheel). I couldn't get to that one until I removed the battery and side panel. The weight thing still doesn't make sense, but I can spin the steering wheel with 1 finger now. Couldn't do that before...

[bloodrunsgreen]

Check the uprights of the spindles that go into the axle itself. There are bushings on top and bottom (these are known to wear for side to side due to the weight is transferred at an angle on to the axle. Next check the seat for wear on the spindles wear the axle rest, this is also a wear point. I have added flat needle bearings to mine.