Flanged bushing for steering box

[Stevetractor]

Yes your right Jim. When these things come up in our idividual overhauls we can just do a search. Sorry as I hope I didn't make you too much work trying to log on that older page. Thank you for trying anyways

[AL Farmall Boy]

The upper bushing was the one that gave me some work. It didn't want to fit up in the bolster, so I had to modify it. It was not a split bushing like the originals are, so I split it myself by cutting it with a hack saw. Then, after I installed it in the bolster, I inserted the shaft into it. The upper part of the shaft would fit, but it was too tight and was binding. So to fix that problem, I took emery cloth and worked the upper shaft until it would go into the bushing snug but would not bind up. (My shaft was pitted from rust damage so it's possible that was the reason for the binding)

YES! I noticed this as well. All parts seemed to fit good, but the upper bushing didn't want to fit (even with it not installed in housing) on the shaft. I ended up splitting it with a hacksaw and using some grease to press it into the housing. I then tried using a hone on a drill to make the inside bore larger. Once all back together I found that the steering was a little tighter than I wanted (tightness in turning the wheel). Not sure if that was the reason.

I wonder why those upper bushings aren't fitting properly? Sounds like buffing down the shaft with emory cloth is the way to go.

[Ben B]

It's been a couple of months now and I've used the cub to plow out our only decent snow so far this year, and also plowed up the garden. The steering is slowly loosening back up, but the free play hasn't returned. Hopefully my efforts to fix mine have worked for the long haul.

[Ben B]

I wonder why those upper bushings aren't fitting properly? Sounds like buffing down the shaft with emory cloth is the way to go.

Well, about that...

And also, there's been others who have had problems with the upper bushing not working as it should.

Please understand that my steering shaft had some major pitting on the upper part and the steering box was full of water when I got the cub. I suspect it had probably spent most, if not all of its life outside in the elements. With all that, I had no choice but to resurface the upper shaft due to the degree of pitting that had occurred. Honestly, if I had a shaft that was in good shape, I think I would make the bushing match the shaft, rather than work down a good shaft to match an aftermarket bushing.

Unfortunately, I didn't know just how much I had to undersize my shaft to smooth it up. Even with that, the bushing was still tight and took some work to make it fit and function like it should.

If anyone does plan to use this supplier for their upper bushing, be prepared to have to make some modifications to the bushing to make it work. I had to cut a slot in it, chamfer it, and work it down on the inside to make it all fit together like it should without binding.

I don't want to mislead anyone, because I don't like being misled myself. And if I have, I apologize for it. Just put simply, be prepared to work that upper bushing to make it fit correctly, because it isn't a direct replacement.

Now the bottom? It worked like a charm for me, and I didn't have to anything to it but put assembly lube on it. The flange on the lower bushing is a bit undersized compared to the factory bushing, so be prepared for that. But so far, I can tell no difference in performance at all.

[inairam]

steering shaft thrust washers upper and lower now available from TM

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/st/715fp.htm
http://www.tmtractor.com/new/st/985fp.htm