Easy
30-60 minutes
This part is an OEM from MTD, Yard Machines, Bolens, Yard Man, and Troy-Bilt for use in lawn tractors. The steering wheel cap attaches to the steering wheel. A set of pliers might be needed during the installation process. It is made of plastic and will need to be replaced if it breaks or gets eaten by squirrels. This is available as an individual replacement part.
Cap-steering Whl 731-04681
OEM part for: MTD, Yard Machines
Part Number: 731-04681
$14.29
In Stock
Ships within 1 business day 
Compatibility
This Cap-steering Whl will fit the following 967 machines. Confirm this part works with your model, and view the detailed model diagrams and repair help we have to offer.
This item works with the following types of products:
- Lawn Tractor Parts
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Customer Repair Instructions ?
All our customer repair instructions are solicited directly from other customers just like you who have purchased and replaced this exact part.
Steering components worn. Nine years old.
John - July 21, 2020
Tool Type
Lawn Tractor
Difficulty
Medium
Time
30-60 minutes
Tools Used
Socket set, Wrench Set, Adjustable Wrench
Removing the old steering parts was no difficult. Getting some parts was a bit tight behind the engine. Had the tractor on jack stands so I could get under it. Downloaded the parts diagram and used it to reinstall the parts once they arrived. Centered the front wheels and steering wheel, tightened all parts and finished.
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Squirrels decided the steering wheel was a snack and took the cap out of the center.
Thomas - May 17, 2018
Tool Type
Lawn Tractor
Difficulty
Easy
Time
Less than 15 minutes
Tools Used
Socket set
There was one bolt. The steering wheel came off easily and the one bolt was all that was needed. I snapped on the logo cap and that was it.
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Steering gear had started to wear out.
Randy - June 2, 2017
Tool Type
Lawn Tractor
Difficulty
Easy
Time
More than 2 hours
Tools Used
Screwdriver, Pliers, Socket set, Wrench Set, Nutdriver, Channel Locks, propane torch.
It is a good idea to take pictures as you disassemble the mower to make sure you remember the routing of the lines and throttle cable.
1. Remove the mower deck, this is a good time to clean it and replace/sharpen the blades.
2. Remove the steering wheel, the dashboard and crossover brace.
3.Remove the large Philips screw in the bottom of the steering shaft.
4. Drain and remove the gas tank. The phillips in the bottom of the steering shaft may require heat to break it loose. The fuel tank is far enough away from the nut that it will not be a problem. If you remove and drain the tank first you could spill fuel which might be a problem if you need a torch to loosen the phillips screw.
5. Remove the steering shaft and lower bearing.
6. Install new bearing and coat it with a layer of Anti-Seize.
7. After ensuring the front wheels are straight ahead, install the steering shaft.
8. Coat the large Philips head screw with anti-seize and install it in the bottom of the steering shaft.
9. Reverse the steps required to install the gas tank, crossover brace and dash panel.
10. Coat the top of the steering shaft with anti-seize and install the steering wheel.
11. Before installing the mower deck, fire up the mower and drive it a short distance to test the steering, there should be enough gas in the flat bowl for a minute or two of engine running.
12. If every thing seems good, double check all bolts and screws are tight. Don't forget the large Philips under the mower.
13. Reinstall the deck, check the height adjustment.
14. Put on your hearing protection and cut grass.
If you do not service the deck and/or replace the blades, this should only take about two hours, less if you rush it. This is no problem if you have basic tools and skills. A mower lift might be helpful, but is not necessary.
1. Remove the mower deck, this is a good time to clean it and replace/sharpen the blades.
2. Remove the steering wheel, the dashboard and crossover brace.
3.Remove the large Philips screw in the bottom of the steering shaft.
4. Drain and remove the gas tank. The phillips in the bottom of the steering shaft may require heat to break it loose. The fuel tank is far enough away from the nut that it will not be a problem. If you remove and drain the tank first you could spill fuel which might be a problem if you need a torch to loosen the phillips screw.
5. Remove the steering shaft and lower bearing.
6. Install new bearing and coat it with a layer of Anti-Seize.
7. After ensuring the front wheels are straight ahead, install the steering shaft.
8. Coat the large Philips head screw with anti-seize and install it in the bottom of the steering shaft.
9. Reverse the steps required to install the gas tank, crossover brace and dash panel.
10. Coat the top of the steering shaft with anti-seize and install the steering wheel.
11. Before installing the mower deck, fire up the mower and drive it a short distance to test the steering, there should be enough gas in the flat bowl for a minute or two of engine running.
12. If every thing seems good, double check all bolts and screws are tight. Don't forget the large Philips under the mower.
13. Reinstall the deck, check the height adjustment.
14. Put on your hearing protection and cut grass.
If you do not service the deck and/or replace the blades, this should only take about two hours, less if you rush it. This is no problem if you have basic tools and skills. A mower lift might be helpful, but is not necessary.
Did you find this story helpful?
Thanks for voting and helping fellow customers!
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Our customer service team are at the ready daily to answer your part and product questions. We have a dedicated staff with decades of collective experience in helping customers just like you purchase parts to repair their products.
All our part reviews are solicited directly from other customers who have purchased this exact part. While we moderate these reviews for profanity, offensive language or personally identifiable information, these reviews are posted exactly as submitted and no alterations are made by our team.
All our customer repair instructions are solicited directly from other customers just like you who have purchased and replaced this exact part. While we moderate these reviews for profanity, offensive language or personally identifiable information, these reviews are posted exactly as submitted and no alterations are made by our team.
Based on data from past customer purchasing behaviors, these parts are most commonly purchased together along with the part you are viewing. These parts may be necessary or helpful to replace to complete your current repair.
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