I need to replace the steering spindle and front axle for my craftsman lawn tractor, 18.5 hp, 42in deck, model #917270760. I'm not able to find a shop manual or any instructions on how to do this. Any advice? Thanks

Stephen Bent/damage blade or spindle, check your deck for support link pin missing, damaged or rusted out brackets, blade spindle loose/mount damages or rusted out, missing deck support spring,wheel/roller if equipped, damaged blades, Recheck tire pressure and front steering axles for bent/damage, etc.
When measuring deck for level, measure at blade tips not the deck on a flat level surface. Check the attached links,instruction and guides, Good luck
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i would look under sears/craftsman web sight or google this for manual.im sure there will be one.

The wheels usually have a rubber cover in the center, remove that and there is an e-clip that can be removed with a flat blade screw driver, or pliers. The axle beam, spindles and wheels can all be serviced separately.

the belt may have slipped off the pulley on the left blade.

the proper threading of cable clutch for 38 in. craftsman riding lawnmower model 271150

Look under the front between the wheels at the tie rod that connects the two wheels. It is probably bent up and should be straight. If it's bent, remove it a straighten it.

go to parts tree.com.put in your model#.they will probably have what you need.hope this helps

jack up front of tractor and remove clip at top of spindle move steering wheel back and fourth to get spindle to slide down clean and grease then reassemble this will fix most of them unless you have a bushing priblem you will see when removed .

This can be due to a belt slipping or a bad spindle bearing.
And on the difficulty scale,10 being extremely difficult, The belt would be a 1 or 2 and the spindle about 6 or 7 (because the deck usually needs removed for this job)

youve got a short in the wireing ,prob right at the clutch peddle switch