Steering/Frame/Controls; Steering Wheel; Tie Rods - Toro 500 EFI Service Manual

Steering/Frame/Controls

The following steering components should be inspected
periodically to ensure safe and proper operation.
A. Steering wheel secure.
B. Steering has equal and complete full-left and full-
right capability.
C. Steering assembly mounting bolts tight.
D. Ball joints not worn, cracked, or damaged.
E. Tie rods not bent or cracked.
F. Knuckles not worn, cracked, or damaged.
G. Cotter pins not damaged or missing.
The frame and welds should be checked periodically for
damage, bends, cracks, deterioration, broken compo-
nents, and missing components.

Steering Wheel

REMOVING
1. Remove the steering wheel cover; then match mark
the steering shaft and steering wheel.

NOTE: Any time steering components are disas-
sembled, all connecting components should be
marked for proper alignment during assembling.
2. Remove the lock clip from the steering shaft; then
remove the nut securing the steering wheel and
remove the steering wheel.
INSPECTING
1. Inspect the steering wheel for cracks, missing pad-
ding, or broken spokes.
2. Inspect the splines for wear.
3. Check that the steering wheel is not bent.
INSTALLING
1. Install the steering wheel aligning the two match
marks; then apply a drop of red Loctite #271 to the
threads of the nut and secure the steering wheel.
Tighten to 25 ft-lb.

NOTE: If a new steering wheel is being installed,
mark the wheel as close as possible to the old wheel
mark; then check for proper positioning with the front
wheels straight forward.
2. Install the lock clip on the steering shaft.

NOTE: If the hole in the steering shaft does not
align with the slots in the castle nut, tighten the nut
slightly until the next slot aligns with the hole.

Tie Rods

REMOVING
1. Remove the steering rack assembly (see Steering
Assembly in this section).
2. Support the steering rack assembly in a suitable
holding fixture or bench vise; then cut the securing
band and slide the boot toward the outer tie rod end.
3. Using a punch or chisel, bend the lock washer away
from the flats on the tie rod joint.
4. Using an appropriate crow-foot and backing wrench,
remove the tie rod assembly.

NOTE: Tie rods come as a complete assembly. No
further disassembly is required.
5. Remove and discard the lock washer.
INSTALLING
1. Remove the tie rod end and lock nut from the tie rod;
then install the tie rod boot onto the tie rod.
2. Install the tie rod lock nut and tie rod end.
3. Coat the tie rod joint threads with red Loctite #271;
then with a new lock washer, thread the tie rod into
the rack.
HDX131A
PR780
19