How To Adjust Steering on Your Bad Boy Mower: A Step-by-Step Guide

Bad Boy mowers are well-known for their high performance and longevity. However, one of the key adjustments that Bad Boy users need to know about is that they must inspect and adjust their steering system.

But How Can You Adjust the Steering on A Bad Boy Mower? Is It Feasible to Make Steering Changes on Your Own?

Fortunately, you can adjust the steering on these mowers yourself. Simply prepare your mower to adjust the steering levers, their height, and their distance accordingly until they reach the desired level of control and comfort.

This article will walk you through the steps of bad boy mower steering adjustment.

8 Signs That You Need to Do Bad Boy Mower Steering Adjustment

Here are the eight most common signs that you should check and perform steering adjustments on your Bad Boy mower:

1. Pulls the Mower to One Side

If the mower pulls to one particular side or the other while running, it means the steering system is not properly aligned. It is one of the major signs that your mower’s steering needs to be inspected.

2. Difficulty Rotating the Mower

One of the most common signs of steering adjustment is difficulty turning the mower. This can be due to a misaligned or loose steering system, which can make it harder to steer the mower.

3. Hearing Unusual Noises

Another sign that the steering is failing is if you hear clunking or rattling noises while directing the mower.

It may suggest that you have worn out loose steering components, preventing the mower from responding as swiftly or correctly to your steering inputs as it should.

4. The Wheel Won’t Return to the Center

If the wheel doesn’t return to the center position after you turn it, this can also indicate a problem with the steering system. This can cause the mower to be difficult to steer and may require adjustment or replacement of parts.

5. Uneven Pattern of Cutting

If you notice that the cutting pattern of your mower is uneven, this could be a sign that the steering system needs adjustment. A misaligned steering system can cause the mower to cut unevenly, leaving patches of grass uncut.

6. Misaligned Mower Tires

Another sign of steering adjustment is when the tires are not aligning properly. This can cause the mower to pull to one side or the other, making it difficult to maneuver.

7. Having Trouble Controlling the Mower

If you have trouble maneuvering your mower, this could be another clue that the steering system needs to be adjusted.

A misaligned steering system might make it difficult to drive the mower, especially when trying to navigate tight turns or around obstructions.

8. Excessive Wear and Tear on Mower Components

If you notice excessive wear and tear on your tires or other components of your mower, this could be a sign of a misaligned steering system. The extra strain on these parts can cause them to wear out faster, leading to costly repairs.

If you notice any of these signs, either check and adjust your mower steering system yourself or hire an expert to do so.

Related Post: 7 Common Bad Boy Mower Transaxle Problems and How to Fix Them!

How To Do Bad Boy Mower Steering Adjustment?

Mainly, there are three step steering adjustments that you should be aware of to maintain proper steering control and optimal performance on your Bad Boy Mower:

• Adjusting/aligning the Steering Levers,
• Adjusting the Steering Levers Height, &
• Adjusting the Steering Levers Distance.

But if you’re new, it will be confusingly difficult to perform these three basic adjustments on your Bad Boy mower steering.

Therefore, here is a step-by-step guide to help you adjust the steering on your Bad Boy mower with more ease:

Even though you do not need any special tool for this task, still take a look at the list:

Two 13mm wrenches

One 10mm wrench

A screwdriver

The owner’s manual for your mower

Step-1:

Place your Bad Boy mower on a level surface, remove the spark plug, and set the steering wheels to the center position. This is the first and foremost step in any maintenance procedure.

Be sure the engine is turned off and the mower is motionless to avoid any accidents.

Step-2:

Check the condition of the steering components, such as the steering rods, steering shaft, arm ball joints, and steering gear before making any adjustments.

Make sure that they are not damaged or worn out. If there are any issues with any of the steering components, replace them before attempting to adjust the steering.

Even if the steering arms are faulty, you should replace them.

Step-3:

Locate the steering levers or handlebars on your Bad Boy mower attached on either front side of your mower.

Now inspect whether they are bent or crooked. If necessary, straighten or pull them to the correct shape before proceeding.

Keep the steering levers in neutral and together to align them correctly. 

Step-4:

Remove one of the steering lever hardware by loosening its mounting bolts (each lever is mounted with two upper control arm bolts).

By sliding the handlebar up and down, you can align the mounting holes with the chosen adjustable holes.

When they are aligned properly, tighten the bolts to keep the lever securely in place.

Once you are done with the first one, repeat the same method on the other steering lever and make sure both levers are fine-tuned.

Step-5:

Adjust the steering height or breadth of the steering lever knob by loosening the jam nut on the bolt through the lower control arm.

Now either lower the steering lever by turning the bolt counterclockwise or raise the steering lever by turning the bolt clockwise (choose according to your need).

Repeat the same process on both levers.

Step-6:

Sit in your mower’s operator position and check whether the adjustment is sufficient and comfortable enough or requires more adjustment.

If the steering is still not to your liking, turn the adjustment bolt/nut counterclockwise or clockwise until it reaches the desired steering height.

Then, tighten the jam on each height adjustment bolt.

Step-7:

Adjust the steering lever distance from the operator’s seat by loosening each steering lever hardware set and either moving the steering lever closer or farther from the operator’s position. Continue until it reaches the most comfortable distance.

Re-tighten each steering lever hardware set securely.

You may even take a test drive on your mower right after the task is finished to ensure that your mower steering is now correctly adjusted to provide accurate control and comfort.

If the previously described adjustments do not resolve your mower steering problem, this video may be of use. So, check out this tutorial:

Related Post: How To Deal With 6 Most Common Bad Boy Maverick Problems?

Bad Boy Mower Steering Adjustment – FAQs

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