Z Force 44 steering levers sticking

[MrThor]

I have a 06 Cub Cadet Z force 44 with 275 hours. It has been a great mower for the past 2 years. Today I noticed that the steering levers are not going back to the middle setting when you release the grips. It makes the unit hard to maneuver now. I did replace the 2 small 1 inch springs but that did not help? Any other ideas on what it may be?
Thank you
Thor

[Restrorob]

Just in front of the rear tires on the side of the hydro pumps you will see two levers (where your springs are) that spread as the joysticks are moved. Clean these pivot points and any others then spray some Fluid Film on them, I have found these sticking from sand. Also make sure the finger in the center of these levers is not bent.

[PlainsmanND]

First post and I can help. I had the same issue I have zforce 50.

The left lever just froze one day after sitting.

Here is what I did, I dont know how much you want to fiddle.

Pull the deck and stand the unit up. From there you can see how the handles wiggle on the shaft. I disconnected the heim joints. I wish I could think of the right term, its the thing that rocks on the shaft. I had to heat that and smack it over to the side. I sanded the shaft and greased with some moly and shes slick as snot. Your going to need to pop off the joints and determine where its sticking. I cant belive it just did that one day but it did, maybe due to the humidity.