Small Engines (Lawn Mowers, etc.): Honda Harmony 1011S steering problem, cotter pin, arinet

Question
QUESTION: How do I remove the steering shaft so I can replace the bottom bushing just above the shaft gear? It looks quite involved and I was hoping there was a free repair manual section to cover this somewhere on the net. If the answer is to involved, can you direct me to such a site? I'd also like to know where I can get a replacement bushing?

ANSWER: Hello Michael:

This is Simpler than it Looks. You can View a Breakdown/IPL of the Mower/Engine at this Site Addy, http://hayward.arinet.com/scripts/EmpartISAPI.dll?MF&app=ASP&lang=EN&TF=Mainfram and Select the Catalog American Honda. Remove the Cutter Deck from Under the Mower to Allow for Easier Access to the Lower Steering Components. After Looking at the Breakdown, if you Require a More Detailed Instruction, then Let me Know. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: John, Thanks for the help but I have a problem. The diagram shows a cotter pin and washer holding the gear on but mine has a hole in the shaft for the cotter pin but no pin or washer. Is it possible that the gear is welded on the shaft or is it just stuck and if so should I try to beat it off or cut the shaft ? Please advise me on what you think is going on , my grass is getting tall and I need to fix this soon.

Answer
Hello Again Michael:

The Gear should be Removeable. Soak the Joint with Penetrating Oil and Use a Small Amount of Heat if Required. The Cotter Pin and Washer May have Rusted Off and the Rust is Holding the Components to the Steering Shaft. There is a Woodruff Key that Holds the Gear in Place; that and Rust is Most Likely Holding the Gear to the Shaft. If you Hit a Snag or this Does Not Correct the Problem,  I am Here if You Require More Assistance. Hope this Helps. Let me Know What Happens, Please. May the All Mighty Bless You and Yours. Thanks.

Good Luck

Respectfully

John

PS: I am Allowed to Answer 10 Questions a Day. If you See I am Maxxed Out, then Try Submitting your Question at or Just After 8pm EST (US). My New Day Starts then. Thanks.

Respectfully

John