149 excess play in steering

[Mr Bob]

My steering wheel turns about 3/4 turn before turning wheels. After checking it out, I found most of the play was in the front axle. I can take hold of front tire and move it back and forth front to rear and see the axle move quite a bit. Looks like a lot of play at the pivot pin in the axle. Does the pivot pin usually wear or does the hole in the front axle wear? I know the pivot pin can be replaced, but can a worn front axle be repaired? Thanks all.

Bob

[TheSaturnV]

Much of that "slop" is likely in the U-channel that holds the axle. Sturdy as it looks, years of force applied via that non-flexible cast iron axle causes the channel to open up. One solution is to install a large bolt and tighten until the channel draws back together. Be aware that the channel will open back up over time. Another is to do this, and then leave the bolt in place to minimize future spread. I believe you have to grind the bolt head down to clear the engine's oil pan.

Careful doing this, if you over tighten, it's more difficult to open the channel back up.

[sawdustdad]

I've squeezed the channel closed on a couple, used shims on a third. Replaced the axle pin in all three. The pin seems to wear more than the axle hole itself. At least that's my assessment, rudimentary as it may be. The other major source of play is the steering gear itself. That can be adjusted by turning the follower stud in to engage the worm gear more completely.

[TheSaturnV]

What he said, plus:

1 - ball joints get worn and add to the slop

2 - The 2 bolts that attach the column to chassis can be loose

3 - On my 147 the steering connection is on the left wheel via a short arm attached with a roll pin. (Lots of models have this). The hole that the roll pin sits in is worn. I see plenty of movement at just this one location.

Bottom line, start at the steering column and work your way down to the spindles.

[Yosemite Sam]

Not saying that the bore in the front axle can't/doesnt wear because I'm sure they can, never noticed one being worn before.

Besides a worn pin, what I do find is that (probably for a lack of grease) the pin will rust itself into the front axle, and then when stressed it will break the spiral pin off that holds it in place leaving the pin to rotate back and forth with the axle, causing the holes in the "U" channel to wear out. Usually wears the back hole much worse than the front hole.

Not saying that is your problem... Just something else to look for once you get into it.

[Mr Bob]

Thanks for all the advise. Will start at the steering box and work down from there.
Bob

[cubcadet1650128]

reem the hole out and put a bigger pin in it new ball joints and tighten the nuts on the steering colum and there u go it will be perfect