Bent Steering Tube

[Bob149]

Anyone ever have any luck straightening a bent steering tube that the steering wheel is connected to? Just wondering if it's worth a try. Thanks for any replies.

[ajgross]

That tube is just pressed in. I'm not sure how to get it out, but if you can get it out, it is replaceable. I think you can go to your local muffler shop and have them cut you a piece of tubing that will work.

AJ

[Bob149]

Good thought on the muffler shop, A.J. but I think you're talking about the outer tube. I was referring to the center tube that the steering wheel actually attaches to with the cam on the other end. In the parts manual it's referred to the "tube and cam assembly". Thanks for the reply.

[1966cub102]

Im not familiar with that part yet,If it is a solid round bar it can be straightened 2 different ways.An old german machinst I learned the trade from showed me a way to use a hammer very similar to a chipping hammer a welder would use, you have to displace the metal in a way that actually bends the shaft back straight.The hammer works good but leaves marks that you might not see inside the tube.The other technique used a oxy acetalene torch with a very small tip to concentrate heat and change the grain structure of the steel which if done right just leaves small burn marks in the steel and you can get it very straight.I wish I could show you how, its very hard to explain maybe you could find a video on youtube or some where. The old man who taught me was really good but he probably wasnt the only one who knew those 2 tricks hope that helps

[westofb]

66cub102, the steering shafts are hollow. I would guess it could be straightened, but probably have to be removed from the tractor/ column to get at it. It would not have to be dead on straight anyways, the way they are put together would allow for it to have a slight bend and still function, may make the wheel wobble slightly when turning quickly lock to lock, but probably not noticeable unless you were doing that and looking for it to move.

[Bob149]

Originally Posted by 1966cub102

Im not familiar with that part yet,If it is a solid round bar it can be straightened 2 different ways.An old german machinst I learned the trade from showed me a way to use a hammer very similar to a chipping hammer a welder would use, you have to displace the metal in a way that actually bends the shaft back straight.The hammer works good but leaves marks that you might not see inside the tube.The other technique used a oxy acetalene torch with a very small tip to concentrate heat and change the grain structure of the steel which if done right just leaves small burn marks in the steel and you can get it very straight.I wish I could show you how, its very hard to explain maybe you could find a video on youtube or some where. The old man who taught me was really good but he probably wasnt the only one who knew those 2 tricks hope that helps

I know exactly what you're talking about on both techniques. I'm a 32 year journeyman toolmaker. My father taught me both of those "tricks" at a very young age. I don't think they work on tubing though. If need be I can take it apart, heat it and bend it. I just thought maybe someone here knew a "trick" so I wouldn't have to take it all apart. Thanks for the memory.

[ol'George]

If it were mine,
I would take it apart and set in a couple of V blocks and use an arbor press and straighten it.
Tubing can be straightened .
Many, many times I have straightened front motorcycle fork tubes after a weekend of tree bashing in the woods.
If that can be done successfully enough to remain leak proof, and freely slide in the tightly machined bushings, a steering shaft will straighten just fine.
It helps if you use/have a dial indicator, but it is not necessary.
Now if it is bent more than 45* it would be asking a little much to do.