122 Repair Questions

[nycub122]

Need to do some repairs on my Cub 122 and have a couple of questions:

1) I understand that the front axle supports on the frame will spread out over time and need to be drawn in to eliminate horizontal axle play, resulting in better steering. I have seen threads here that suggest using a 3/4" grade 8 bolt to draw the supports in. Can this be done, once the axle pivot pin is removed, with the axle still in place? Also, can I substitute a 3/4" grade 8 bolt for the axle pivot pin, which would allow me to make adjustments in the future, if needed?

2) I have looked at the parts diagram for the clutch system and see no mention of a washer or spacer between the clutch loading spring and the clutch throwout bearing. Does the end of the loading spring make direct contact with the face (large side) of the throwout bearing? I would think that some kind of thrust washer is needed to prevent failure of the throwout bearing. Any ideas?

Thanks
GEL

[westofb]

To answer question one, you need the axle out to bend the mounts back into place, metal tends to have a memory, you will actually bend the mounts closer together than the width of the axle, once you remove the force applied it will spring back a bit. Take your time, applying pressure, then release it and measure the width....keep repeating until you have the mounts bent enough to fit snuggly on the axle shaft. As far as you using the bolt goes, am not sure it would work or not, I would think if you went that route you would want to use a nylon locking nut or have enough threads exposed to double nut it, tightening the nuts against one another so they don't work loose.

I have a hydrostat, so I have no clue on the clutch parts.....
Good luck with your tractor!