Steering coming along
 

Got the rusted out steel tube outta the steering box by heating the aluminum with a heat gun, and the broken steering box had a better tube with no rust. I stripped the paint with Rustoleum aircraft paint stripper. I made a bushing for the end which will have a bronze bushing inside it. I won't make a seal just grease it really good. With the new everything this should have way less steering wheel slack and should turn easier. I wonder how much a difference that "ez steer" thrust bearing on the steering box will make?

For those who might want to try something different (and have access to a lathe) - Finished the steering column top bushing. Pressed it into the thin tube with interference and jb weld, pressed into the bottom just on interference fit. Bored out the bronze bushing after pressing it in with hydrailic press - it went in tight. :) Next, put it back together and then back into the tractor. (Plenty more chances to screw something up!) :OhOh:

Some people have suggested a bearing will fit nicely in the tube. IIRC....the bearing is similar to the ones used on the front wheels. These bearings have a lip, too!:beerchug:

didn't think to do that. But a ball bearing might be overkill, the steering shaft only turns back and forth a bit. I figure this cant leak water in except past the shaft and that will be heavily greased... I dunno!

There is a foam seal under the steering wheel on top of the bearing/bushing to keep crap out of there.

Done. (Hopefully right!) Nice and tight that's for sure...

Cleaning up the tie rods... box is back in the tractor. almost have my cub back :)

Done. Made a stainless pin that was .005" oversize and hammered that in to the knuckle. Its tite. Steering overall seems tite except the cheap new amazon heim joints have the most slop. EZ fix if i can find better ones. But steering now way better than ever.

Nice job on the repair! :ThumbsUp:

Thanks man. Not perfect but fixed and way better. There was a very slight bind around the middle of the steering I couldnt get out. Wasnt going to take it apart yet again to chase that. With everything hooked up cant even feel it. Steering wheel has like about 1/2" freeplay and thats mostly the sloppy (new) heims!

Also, not sure how much this help, but on the spindles I mixed powdered graphite lubricant into the grease especially on that bottom "washer" that all the weight is on...

Now that I'm a real professional cub cadet repairer lol time to fix the squealing clutch issue :bouncy:

Try McMaster Carr for the ends. The one I got from them are still tight after 8 years.

cool will do thanks!

Front wheel bearings are cheap and it helps ease the steering. Also include a thrust bearing and a nylon lock nut on the end of the pitman arm shaft vs. the double nut OEM assembly and it also eases manual steering. All of my CC have that upgraded kit.

hi daniel, yes i added the "EZ steer" ball bearing with nyloc nut on the steering box shaft.

all told, it steers much easier now and equally important the steering wheel no longer turns half way around each way with slop! now its only about 1/2" of free play IIRC

Nicely done. I marvel at the repairs I see you folks doing. It gives me
things to aspire to. And I learn so much everyday, even on the days
I can't work on the tractors.

Ken

Nice job! A nice steering Cub really makes the experience so much more enjoyable.

Thanks guys, it really is nice to have it fixed

Looks great!

The only thing I can think of that would cause binding in the center of the travel, would be the follower in too tight.

Sweet! Joining this site when I got my 147 in 2012 has inspired me to tackle projects I may have sought someone else prior. For example, I have a poor running 73 and after tearing through the carb I discovered a blown head gasket and have been refurbing that. 10 years ago I'd never have taken the head off, but after reading through the technical library on the process I have more confidence to try it. This forum has been a great resource for me in the last 9 years.

I have a 125 that the owner, a cub dealer in fact, thought he was a mechanic. Without the knowledge and experience, of the members of this site, and most of all, sharing, I might of thrown in the towel.