Is this possible?

[SundaySailor]

My steering is loose from the steering box. When I turn the steering wheel, I get at least a quarter to half turn before the linkage even starts to turn the front wheels. Could I use a hoist (I have a belly mower mounted) to hold the front end of the tractor up, and then remove the front wheels and get to the four bolts under the steering box? Will this allow me to be able to get to the root of my problem? I'd hate to remove a freshly installed new radiator like the manual says I should.

Thanks again!

Rick

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Yup, that will work, it's just a little unhandy working upside down. don't forget to drain the steering box first.

[George Willer]

Rick,

It's entirely possible you can remove most of the play without even taking the gear box apart. The steering arm position on the vertical shaft should be adjusted to eliminate nearly all the vertical play... but not tight enough to cause binding. In my experience this is the source of most play after the obvious things like rod ends.

Here's the procedure. Loosen the clamp bolt and tighten the castellated nut on the bottom. This will eliminate the most likely source of play. If you get it too tight and have some binding, you may have to back the nut off and drive the shaft upward to loosen it up. In any case, don't forget to tighten the clamp bolt TIGHTLY when you are finished so there is no chance of movement to wallow the parts out later.

Having said all that, yes you can get to the internals by hoisting as you said.

[SundaySailor]

Whew! After the stuff I've already been through, I need something "easier" to work with. I'll make sure I have help if I have to remove the front wheel assembly. Don't need another knot on the nogging. BTW, good to see you're back George. We missed your postings and knowledge.

Rick