Sears model # 917.271821
Look at the plastic connector where the steering shaft meets the main gear the plastic wears out and the gears jump out of time its a $15 part at sears parts online
I had the same problem with my 15 year old Craftsman lawn tractor. I tried to adjust the steering travel but it gave me marginal relief for a year until the steering failed with my steering wheel spinning freely and the wheels free to go left and right. The left bias for steering indicates that the steering shaft pinion weld was shearing prior to failure.
I took the steering apart and found that the drive pinion gear was sheared off the end of the steering shaft at the weld. I replaced the shaft and sector gear to fix this issue.
This fix requires good amount of mechanical disassembly to get the replacement parts in place so you might need to go to a shop to get a mechanic to fix this if you aren't set up for this kind of fix by disconnecting the mower deck and jacking up the front end to access the steering gear assembly and steering arm links.
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Your question,my answer is that,the steering assembly is out of adjustment. When the wheels are straight on,the steering wheel shaft gear must be centered on the spline on the steering assembly. When the steering shaft gear is centered,this gives the steering full travel in both directions when turning left or right. This will require maintenance,under the tractor. You will,have to drop down the mount holding the steering assembly. Once,this is done you will have to remove two bolts holding the steering shaft,the shaft is now free to move. Be careful,the steering shaft will drop down,you will have to hold the shaft to center the gear with the spline teeth on the steering assembly. This is kind of tricky,holding the steering shaft centered,while replacing the bolts.Once done,replace the steering assembly mount plate to the tractor. If the wheel toe end is correct and the steering assembly is centered,the steering wheel should be centered also. If the steering wheel,is a little off center,you can remove the steering wheel and realign the wheel with the steering wheel adapter. Remember,you will be under the tractor for this repair. You may have to,jack up the tractor to be able to reach the steering assembly,be very careful,that the jack doesn't slip. Have someone near you to watch the jack,if if it starts to slip. I hope,this answers your question. Sincerely,Brad Locke
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