105 Loose steering

steved · #1 04-22-2014, 08:24 PM

You guys are great. You've helped me with every question I've asked. Now that the brakes are fixed, hydro relief valves replaced, this tractor really goes fast! So fast that you really notice the steering is really loose. I've searched this forum for this exact problem but I don't think its an upper bushing problem and cannot seem to find anything about adjusting the play. It seems to be way to much play to be just the tie rod joints. I was hoping not to have to rebuild the steering column liked I've read. Can anyone point me in the right direction?

cjrolke · #2 04-22-2014, 08:38 PM

pull the steering box out and rebuild it.

cleanout all of the old grease check and or replace the bearings in the bottom. the follower probably needs adjusted or re-ground. check out brian miller's web site on rebuilding the columns

I have done 4 columns now and all of them steer so much better after having done some "minor" work of just cleaning them up

Alvy · #3 04-22-2014, 08:59 PM

It's normally a combination of Excess play inside gear box, worn out drag link and tie rod ends, c channel that holds axle in place needs to be pinched, and a lot of left side spindles where top cap lever attaches with spiral pin that goes through is worn out inside. Put all of these little slops together and you get a lot of play. Look at each individually and address.

Yosemite Sam · #4 04-22-2014, 10:08 PM

I hafta agree, the front axel gets loose in the channel, the tie rods get worn and the boxes get loose and sloppy.

When you put all of these things together they get hard to guide.

When you rebuild your steering box, be sure to replace the upper and lower bearing cups, I have seen them so bad that they were almost not there.

steved · #5 04-23-2014, 06:44 AM

Thanks again guys. I'll pull the column and see what's up.

Sam Mac · #6 04-23-2014, 07:26 AM

Here is a recent thread on the same thing you have going on.
http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ad.php?t=31139

snoel · #7 04-23-2014, 08:47 AM

Mine was really loose, but tie rods were all good. Took the slack out of the steering box, by removing cotter pin from bottom "cap", and rotating it in with large screw driver, being careful to not take it all out. Helped a lot but the axle was really loose. Some one had replaced the pin with a bolt. I added a washer, and tightened the bolt, pinching the axle snug. Amazing the difference, especially with the blade swinging on the front! I realize that my "fix", won't work for all units, and that it is a temporary fix, to get me through the Summer. I also think the steering gear mount bracket may need a bit of reinforcement if I ever get started on some serious upgrading this tractor. It flexes a bit with heavy load.

DoubleO7 · #8 04-23-2014, 08:59 AM

I have also found the steering box mounting bolts to be loose.
And the tie rod ends (to what they are bolted to) loose also.

There are like 14 or 15 different spots that can be worn and/or loose is the steering system.

Not including the operator.

sawdustdad · #9 04-23-2014, 02:39 PM

First thing to try is to adjust the cam follower stud. It's on the moving side of the steering box, it's a threaded stud with a lock nut on it. loosen the lock nut and turn the stud in until it contacts the worm gear. work the steering wheel to check for binding. adjust the stud for least amount of slop while not causing any binding, or only minor binding. Tighten the lock nut to secure the stud. This will remove much of the play in the steering box and is a quick solution. I've disassembled 8 or 9 gearboxes and only found one damaged, the rest just needed a new (or re-ground) follower stud. I cleaned and rebuilt most of them anyway, but it was not necessary in most cases. This is the #1 cause of slop in steering.

The second is the channel that supports the axle. removing the axle and squeezing the channel together (or using a bolt in lieu of the normal pin) can reduce play there.

Tie rod ends and wheel bearings are a distant third in source of play in the steering. Loose gear box to frame bolts would be a potential but unusual source of play.

charlie105 · #10 04-23-2014, 05:55 PM

I have found the steering box bolts loosened several times,so I keep checking them, but also the the frame cross channel the gearbox mounts to flexes visibly when turning the steering wheel when the wheels are on the ground. I noticed the cross channel had begun to crack while checking the bolts, and had to grind out the crack and weld it. Lucky I had to split the tractor any way.