Original Cadet Steering

[jostev]

I have a 1962 Cub Cadet Original and I just replaced the bearings and now it doesn't much play but it steers fairly hard, it almost takes both arm just to turn it. I was wondering if anybody could help me with my armstrong steering problem. Thanks, Jostev

[Paul B]

You probably have the plug in the bottom end of the housing too tight. It should only be tight enought to stop any up and down movement of the steering column, but not tight enough to cause any binding. The "play" is adjusted with the cam follower, the stud in the side plate that has the lock nut. If it has been overtightened, it will also cause the same problem. The inner end of it is tapered, and rides in the slot in the worm on the end of the steering shaft. That tapered end will have flat spots worn on it which causes the play. You can sometime turn it 90 degrees to an unworn spot and get by, but it should have been replaced when the bearings were. New ones are available, but are about $20 which seems high for a hardened, tapered stud. You can also try to true up the one you have if you have a lathe or maybe a drill press. A new one should be tightened down until all the play is removed, but not enough to cause any binding. Because of wear on the worm gear, you may not be able to get all the play out, but it will remove most of it. The side plate has to come off to remove the cam follower, because it is threaded into the side plate from the inside, and is not threaded the full length.

[jostev]

Thanks for the info, when I put a post on ytmag they said that it was the bearings and they never said to replace anything but the bearings. Thanks again, I will try to get to it tonight. Thanks again , Jostev

[jostev]

I was out using the cadet for the first time since the bearing replacement and the steering did the same thing as it did before: the steering column when turned to the left it just screws out and the tires just stay the same, when turned to the right it screws back in and then turns to the right untill maxed out What is wrong with the ole thing

[Paul B]

Did you replace both the upper and lower set of bearings? There is a set of bearings on both ends of the 'worm', and unless something is broken or missing, it can't unscrew itself unless maybe the side plate is tightened down too much (the two nuts on the bolt that is welded to the side plate and goes through the steering box), and it can't move. The parts manual calls it a lever and bolt assy, and is what the drag link connects to.

[jostev]

Yes, I did replace both bearings, It screws out so I think that it will be taken apart again

[Dave (69 lo-boy)]

Good info here on steering repair, good luck!
http://members.aol.com/pullingtractor/steering.htm

[jostev]

Thanks, I will read it tonight and see if it will help, I think at this point anything will help. Thanks again, jostev

[Dave (69 lo-boy)]

When you assemble the steering box make sure the pitman arm plate and shaft is just tight enough to take out any play, but not binding at all, dont torque down on the nut like you are tightening it, just enough to take the end play out.

[jostev]

Thanks, I will be sure to do that when it gets put together, right now the cub is in the garage so that has to be finished first