Steering rebuild
 

Planning on pulling the steering column on my new 123 and fixing the slop. I've seen the article in the archives about rebuilding the steering box, and the recommendation of a thrust bearing.

I also read somewhere about adding a bearing at the top of the column to replace the plastic bushing. I've searched and can't find the info. Was it my imagination, or can someone give me the bearing number for that application?

The thrust berring is almost like power sterring you can get one here http://www.kirkengines.com/

You can get the berring for the top of the colem here http://ccspecialties.org/steering_seats.html

Combine these two and you will have some GOOD sterring

Page 5 of this topic
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ght=Uncle+Dick
Has a write up on how I rebuild the steering in my 70.

That link was very helpful, Merk. One question - does McMaster carry the bearing for the top of the steering column?

I don't think they do. You can use a CC front wheel bearing if you wrap a piece of shim stock around the OD.

One comment about that thrust bearing in Merk's thread...it's totally open and will get dirty more easily, and that'll make it turn hard, and then you're back where you were again. The (shielded) thrust bearing most people use is a 'Nice 605' and any good bearing supply place can get it. The last time I bought a few, they were less than $2 each.

I bought a wheel bearing from my Cub Dealer. 3/4" ID X 1-3/8" OD

I have seen this talked about all around but I don't know about bearings, so... Is the 605 a size reference or a model reference. What size would one buy? Also, what size washers would one get to go along with it? Or is it as simple as getting the one that has the ID of the OD of the bolt.

That is the manufacturer and model number of the bearing. It is essentially sealed from the outside and both races are built in, but you'll still need one washer. The one that was originally under the two jam nuts works fine.

The bearing for the top of the steering column is a Hillman brand Radial Bearing 3/4" x 1-3/8". Hillman number 838627. I stumbled upon a supply of them at Tractor Supply Co. in the aisle with all the pull-out trays of nuts & bolts. The TSC number is 3772591, $3.29 each, and they are individually bagged.

If you're wondering, the bearing is stamped "Freeway Cleveland Ohio ... ASF"

I notice in the rebuild pics that there is a foam seal on the side of the gearbox, which I suspect will need to be replaced.

Then I looked up the part and found out how much it costs! :OMG:

Is there an alternative?