149 Steering Rubbing Skid Plate
 

On my 149 there is a bolt from the steering rubbing on the engine skid plate and the bottom of the steering box. The plate is bent, I don't know how if it was bent before this started rubbing or if it bent from these rubbing. I don't know if I am using the correct names for these parts. Any help would be appreciated.

These pictures aren't the best. I can get more specific pics tomorrow if needed.

What do you need help with?? Looks like the issue is plain in the pics. It's rubbing. Bend the plate back in shape and put it back on. Easy peezy.

When's the last time that steering gear has been cleaned up, serviced and/or greased?
Looks like it could use some housekeeping in that department
Some of that rubbing may be due to loose and sloppy steering adjustment and rod ends in addition to the deformed part.
How far does the steering wheel turn before the wheels move?

Where is the steering shaft/collumn tube?

Sheesh! I totally missed that!
That's a goooood question! :bigthink:

I don't know the last time it was cleaned, but it looks like a long time. It was like that before I got it. The steering is not really loose. I was surprised how tight it was. On my 147, you could turn the wheel around half way before it turns, but this one is ok.
I have the tube, it is just off the tractor in the pics.

Another thing is when the tractor was together, the shaft would pull up. I don't really know how to explain it. I think the tube would come loose on the bottom, then when you push it down it would be ok for a few minutes and come loose again. I don't know if this could be from it not having the right steering wheel or something else.

If it were mine, I would remove the steering box, clean & inspect, repair as nessary.
The shaft is retained in a set of ball bearings and when set properly, it does not move up/down.
It is much like a bicycle front fork.
There are many posts on this site describing the procedure.
As far as the outer tube, it needs to be tight in the aluminum casting.
there are various fixes to accomplish this.
One of the easiest is to install it up side down, after cleaning, and removing the plastic bushing from the top.
You will prolly need to replace the balls/races unless they are in good shape.
Also the worm follower that always has the pointed end worn, either replaced or reshaped.
Finishing, it has to have lube and adjusted properly.
I'm sure someone will post some links here, as I don't remember off the top of my head, and I'm sure it is described in the service manual:beerchug:

Yup, definitely tin for a complete steer gear overhaul.
You are half way there already, only 2 more bolts left and it will fall right out from under the tractor.

Ok, I might be getting a parts tractor for this. I will wait and see how the parts are on that and maybe switch them to this one. Thanks for the help.

That tube is supposed to be pressed it. Shouldn't come out of the box easily. You may have a bigger issue.

You still need to straighten the plate up.