my scott riding mower steerting gears will not line up?

I have a Scott riding mower that I replaced the lower bearing on the steering column. then I replaced the two shoulder bolts that hold the gear plate down. Now the pinion gear on the bottom of my column will not match up with the gear plate that turns my wheels. I have a model # 42589x8 mower and its a1999 year. I believe it's murry parts