Steering play
 

I was wanting to fix the steering play on my 2155. Ive seen videos of people replacing the bearing at the bottom of the steering column above the gear but it doesn’t appear the 2000 series has that? All I can see on the parts diagram is a bearing at the top of the column, under the steering wheel, the only thing around the gear at the bottom are washers and the nut. Would the bearing at the top of the column be the culprit, or does anyone have any experience with steering play on these 2000 series models?

There are a number of factors that contribute to "play" in the steering. First, I would look at the (4) 923-0156 Ball Joints. These are noted for getting worn out.

Sorry I should have been more specific. The play I’m referring to is where the steering wheel turns a good bit before the wheels actually start to turn.

Are you saying that the Steering Wheel moves but the Pinion Gear lags ?? Or is there "play" between the Pinion Gear and the Sector Gear?

:bigthink:

I have to turn the wheel a good 1/4-1/2 turn before the wheels start turning. No wobble or shaking that I can tell.

look it over and see where the play is . very easy when you're at the tractor ,impossible for anyone not looking at it to tell you for sure where the play is .....

This is the 2155 steering assembly.
There is a bearing (p/n 29), but more likely would be a worn pinion gear (p/n 14).
Also, look for worn/loose ball joints (p/n 16).
Or it can be a combination of all of the above.
https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/conte...9e954575786b/y

In addition to what is mentioned, there are bearing/flange at the bottom for part #1 pivot arm ... Part # 30. There are two of #30.

I noticed my 2155 had a lot of road wander and discovered that the axle channel bolts were missing. Replaced and adjusted per the manual and it drives in a straight line again. Easy fix.

Ok I finally got to look at it real good. The pinion gear looks good it’s not slipping or grinding. And the ball joints on the axels are good and tight. I think the problem is either the ball joints on the other end of the tie rods (near the gears) or the tie rods themselves need adjusting.

I crawled underneath and the ball joints and tie rods all look good on both ends. What else could it possibly be?

The gears all look good and the teeth aren’t worn on either gear. The steering wheel turns about 1/8-1/4 turn before it starts to move the wheels, is that just normal and I’m just crazy?

Did you have anyone moving the steering wheel while you were underneath so you can see if anything is jumping around?

Yes everything is moving good and tight underneath as well. The only thing I can see that could possibly cause any play is the pinion gear turns about 1mm before the teeth engage the teeth on other gear. But the steering column has no wiggle or anything so I guess that’s just how it moves.

I took a video of how it moves but I can’t get it to upload due to size…

^^^^^^^^^^as Mentioned^^^^^^^^^^^^^
I'd check the 2 bolts on the axle channel, they are 1/2" bolts with 3/4" head and a lock nut. If they are missing or miss adjusted the front axle will move all over the place.

That’s just it, there is no steering drift or play in the axel, only the steering wheel. I have to turn the steering wheel about 1/8-1/4 turn before it actually starts moving the front wheels either direction. The only place I can see any play at all is where the pinion gear meets the main gear, but the teeth aren’t worn and the steering column doesn’t wiggle or move at all…

Front axles experience slight movement in their mounting channel along with slight lost motion in everything that moves/turns of the steering parts.
Add all those little bits and it is easy to see noticeable movement in the steering wheel.
Don't worry about ball joints, you don't have any like a vehicle does, you do have tie rod ends that wear and produce slop as well as pinion gear wear you observed and spindle bushing wear you prolly didn't see and prolly some wear in the wheel bearings.
like I said, add it all up and one gets what you have.
As you turn the wheel left to right and observe the movement in each component you will see some movement that is greater than others.
A 1/4 turn of the wheel is more than I like, but on a worn machine it is expected.
Unless you replace all the components, you will not correct/remove the looseness/play.
I do recommend you not drive it over 40 or so MPH as you might get a speed wobble, although more positive toe-in will help to negate that somewhat. :biggrin2:

I don’t think this thing could go 40MPH even if I was coasting downhill :ROTF1:

But honestly, I am starting to think this is just normal for a 20 year old machine and it won’t get any better unless I replace all kinds of stuff. Thanks everyone :BangPC: