47 w/stiff steering

[Rob in NH]

The 47 steering is so stiff it makes my arms sore. I checked the tie rods and spindles and its not those as they are loose. I then backed off the castle nut a bit but its still tight. What do you guys recommend ?

[Bob McCarty]

Rob, You might want to disconnect the tie rods from the steering arm and see how the wheel turns. That would be a simple way to localize the problem to the steering box. You may have worn out bushings inside that need to be replaced, or it could be the spindles binding in the axle knees.

Bob

[ScottyD'sdad]

I had a steering box with the shaft seized in the upper bushing. That bushing is above the oil, in the steering box. Was a project to get it out. Lubed, and back together, it works normally. I agree with the post telling you to remove the tie rods, to localize the problem.
Ed

[Rob in NH]

i'll pull the tie rods then and see how it is.

[Urbish]

Keep in mind that loosening the castle nut without correspondingly loosening the bolt that clamps the arm to the shaft won't do much to give you some extra play. The castle nut sets the preload of the steering box stackup and keeps the arm from slipping down, but the clamping bolt holds it in place. I recommend as the other have to isolate the problem by disconnecting tie rods and working from there.

[Rob in NH]

thanks , i guess i will tighten it back to where it was

[Rob in NH]

well i dint have a chance to pull the tie rods but i did pull the steering column out to spray the top of the gear and shaft/bushing. the steering works very easy now. when i put the steering shaft back in it tightens back up. pulled it out again and noticed there isn't a gasket. i wonder if not having a gasket is the problem.

[BIGHOSS]

If you are talking about the gasket at the lower end of the shaft, that could be your problem. Others older than me can chime in, but as I recall that gasket acts as a shim as well as a leak stopper. You should not make one from a Frosted Flakes carton.

[ScottyD'sdad]

If you are talking about the gasket at the lower end of the shaft, that could be your problem. Others older than me can chime in, but as I recall that gasket acts as a shim as well as a leak stopper. You should not make one from a Frosted Flakes carton.

Rob doesn't use Frosted Flakes. In New Hampshire, your flakes get frosted, regularly, so you don't need store bought ones!

[Rob in NH]

funny ed, this is the gasket for the steering wheel shaft.

[Don McCombs]

#10 on the diagram below. It is absolutely necessary and the thickness is critical. Best to use the CaseIH gasket on this one.

http://www.tmtractor.com/new/st/458fp.htm

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

I had one that many years ago I replaced the original bushing on the bottom of the shaft with an aftermarket bushing, and had to use 2 gaskets for a long time to keep it from binding.

[kennywayne]

Just what do I do to tighten the gears so I have no shimmy.

thanks

ken

[Bob McCarty]

Ken, There is a castellated nut on the bottom of the steering box. Here's a link to a technique by Ralph that makes it easier: viewtopic.php?f=1&t=56212&p=463137&hilit=steering#p463137

Bob

[Rob in NH]

i made a gasket and tried it, made huge difference. replaced the seal too so i should be all set. thanks for the help guys.