Help 2500 Series Steering problem?

[wfapple]

After just over 12 hours on my GT 2544 the steering seized right up. A (2/27/2006) supplement sheet to the Operator's Manual says the steering housing must be lubricated after every 25 hours of operation! WoW, is there something wrong here with the steering?? That seems very, very frequent to me. Anyways, the retailer that I bought it from is looking at the steering now. But after shelling out $3,400 plus tax for a 'reliable' machine I feel burned already. Any comments or suggestions on what to say to my retailer?? Anyone else have same problem with steering??
/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[JTKub]

Is this a 2005 or 2006 model year machine?
Joel

 

[wfapple]

3/2006 DOM /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[JTKub]

Could you tell if it was locked up from one of the steering knuckles or the rack/pinion deal? There's really not much to the steering. Maybe a rock or stick got jambed between the rack & pinion or a ball joint let loose on one of the tie rods? The steering on the 2006's is all new. Keep us posted.

Joel

 

[wfapple]

I looked it all over and could not find anything prohibiting steering. Mowing was primarily on an open field and the steering gradually got tighter. I removed the panel/shield to view lube locations and all looked fine. Mowed great but would like to turn left or right!

 

[Bob_Bainbridge]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( A (2/27/2006) supplement sheet to the Operator's Manual says the steering housing must be lubricated after every 25 hours of operation! WoW, is there something wrong here with the steering?? That seems very, very frequent to me. )</font>

That's nothing - the manual for my 54 inch deck says to lube the 3 spindles and idler pulley every 10 hours and the wheels, drive shaft etc. every 50 hours. 10 hours - that's like every 2d or 3d time I mow the yard. I'm lubing the deck once a year just like I did the 44R that lasted 17 years before the shell rusted out and another 9 years after I replaced the shell until I traded it in.

Bob B.

 

[gamble77]

*****There is a service advisory on this problem. The grease zerk that is on the unit now is not properly positioned. Please tell you dealer that there IS INDEED A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM******

 

[JSharp]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( *****There is a service advisory on this problem. The grease zerk that is on the unit now is not properly positioned. Please tell you dealer that there IS INDEED A SERVICE ADVISORY OUT FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM****** )</font>

Is this a problem with all the '06 2500 series?

 

[Fordlords]

Insist that a brand new steering housing be installed under warranty. If it seized up because the grease zerk was not positioned right not allowing grease to get to the gears, the housing is likely to be damaged. It is an expensive part, but one that should not be compromised if the bulletin only calls for repositioning the fitting and squirting grease in it again until it moves. I can easily see that causing the gears to have a lot of premature play in them a few years down the yard from the initial damage.

Also tell retailer that while all this is taking place, you have nothing to cut your grass with and its growing 5 inches a day!- Should you send the lawn service bill to MTD or do you get a loaner?

-Fordlords-
Gotta get your money's worth!

 

[gamble77]

The Service advisory is CC-515, here is part of what it states...

"PURPOSE: Allow easier access to the grease fitting to lubricate the steering shaft in the cast iron steering housing
and allow grease to penetrate the lower portion of the shaft instead of the upper portion."

Models Affected:
GT 2542 (14A-2D2G710), GT 2544 (14A-2C7L710)
GT 2550 (14A-2E7P710), GT 2554 (14A-2A7K710)

Serial Number Range Affected:

1L055G Through 1L145G (December 5, 2005 Through December 14, 2005). 1A026G Through 1B216G (January 2, 2006 Through February 21, 2006).
NOTE: Units built 1L155G Through 1L235G (December 15, 2005 Through December 23, 2005 were made with a solid steel steering housing. These units do not require any rework.

 

[JSharp]

Thank you gamble. Looks like mine is on the list so I'll be calling the dealer today... /forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif

 

[wfapple]

When did the Service advisory CC-515 come out?? Is it dated?
Is there a way to get a copy? You information is great! Thanks.

 

[JSharp]

I wondered the same thing. I called my dealer this morning and he had no clue. He was going to check and get back to me.

 

[JTKub]

I'm glad you guys brought this to light. I just checked out the steering gear on my 2544 today (2005 model year). There's two zerks on the steering gear! The manual doesnt go into details about that little fact at all. The sector shaft zerk is on the right side, fairly easy to see and get at, and the pinion shaft zerk is lower on the left & hidden pretty well. You go thru an access hole in the steering support to grease it. For ether side, you have to remove the side panels. The worst part was, the pinion zerk had never been touched, unless it was given a shot of grease at the factory! Is the steering gear cast iron for the 2006's? The housing is cast aluminum on my 2005. The wear parts look to be bronze, gears are steel.

G/luck
Joel

 

[gamble77]

The service advisory is only a few weeks old but all the dealers should have access to it and all its information via the dealer web portal. Good luck getting yalls fixed!

 

[CCinCT]

Gamble, are there any other advisories for 2006 2500's?