Need a New Steering Column for a 123

[ACecil]

Thanks for the update, Zach! Please keep us updated on your progress.

[Yosemite Sam]

No Cub or Case dealer... Try our Sponsors at the top of the page, they should be able to fix you up.

When it comes to fixing your Cub, listen to the guys here who know what they're talking about .

You are gonna have Yellow Fever before you know it!

[bkw3614]

Zach,

I rebuilt my steering column last year. I bought a set of bearings, a cam follower and an upper bushing from my local Cub Cadet dealer, who happens to be a very large CNH dealer in the upper midwest. They gave me great service.

The ball joint tie rod ends are available through any of the sponsors, a Cub Cadet dealer and at Tractor Supply company. Tractor Supply may be able to order Cub Cadet parts for you as well.

Now a question: "Is the steering problem due to a lot of play in the steering wheel, such as a quarter to a half turn of free play in the steering wheel?" If it is, that can be cured with a new pivit pin (available at a CC Dealer or the sponsors) and a 3/4" x6" grade eight fine thread bolt and nut, with a couple of flat washers. What you need to do is to take the front axle off and use the bolt, washers and nut to squeeze the axle carrier to take out the slop in the axle pivit. Please be careful not to go too far. Replace the pin at the same time and grease as necessary. When I did this, I found it easier to take the engine out first, but that isn't difficult, either.

Perhaps someone can send a link on this procedure, as I don't know where they are.

It doesn't seem to me that there is any need to replace anything, jsut rebuild what you have and get the parts that you need.

That tractor, tuned up, will work circles around a similar green tractor.

Good luck, and please keep us posted.

[JayJay]

Your local NAPA store can also order Cub Cadet parts.

After the steering gear, the axle pivot is the biggest source of play in the steering. Consider HD "Heim" joints for the tie rod ends, available from McMaster Carr. Be sure to check to see if any of the joints are "reverse" or left-hand thread. Finally, for your 123, be sure you have the pin that holds the "Steering Arm Ass'y" on tight and that you are able to turn the wheels "lock-to-lock." Some people resort to a "trick" of moving the hole on the steering arm a little inboard to accomplish this.

The key to keeping the steering trouble-free is keeping the grease to it. For instance, the recommended lubrication schedule for the front pivot pin is every 10 hours of service, not every 35 years to which many are subject.

[MrGitrdone41]

Do you have a JD dealer near you? If you do you can buy the rebuild kit off of them because the old JD's used the same steering box as the cubs. Tell them you need it for a JD 110 or 112. The kit is around 40$