184 Loose Steering

[cricket142]

I picked up a pretty little 184 a few weeks ago and have been going through it mechanically. The main complaint I'm dealing with right now is the steering is not only loose(3-4"), but appears to be hard to steer as well. There is play/movement between the main steering shaft that goes through the steering box, and the box housing that can be seen from under the tractor. I have seen the cups and bearing that Bob and the like offer. After all of my searching I cannot find it to be a common problem with the Lo's. Can these ball bearings be changed while the steering box remains in the tractor? I have already looked into what it takes to pull the column and steering box. All other steering components check out ok. I did replace 3 tie rod ends and it helped some.
I cannot seem to find a good picture of what the bottom of the steering box should look like as viewed from the bottom of the tractor. It appears as though I may be missing something at the bottom of my box.
I have been trying to access the manuals on this site but I keep getting a server error like the cleancomputes site is down.
Thank you for your time and any help offered.

[outdoors4evr]

The bottom of the steering box is a plug with a grease zerk in the middle.
One side of the plug should look flattened or bent so it isn't round anymore. This is intentional and not due to abuse.
See section J of the 154 parts manual.
http://www.farmallcub.com/[ Sorry, direct links to manual section is not allowed. ]/download.php?fname=./files/Number%20Series%20Cubs/Cub-154%20Lo-Boy/TC-131%20Parts%20Catalog%20Rev%208%20%201-72.pdf

Most of your steering slop will likely come from the pivot point at the front of the tractor. If your pivot point moves upward and downward, then there is probably some tightening required of the king nut. Only finger tighten the king nut. Do not use a wrench on it. The cotter pin keeps the king nut from backing out. This nut merely reduces the vertical movement of the pivot.

[cricket142]

Thanks Outdoors! I am reviewing the breakdowns, I am aware of the differences between models. The king pin shows very little play if any, I will check its torque. What I remember seeing when I checked the box yesterday is not at all what you described the bottom of my box looking like. I believe I may be missing the lower innards! I am reviewing the link you sent with breakdowns. I greatly appreciate all the help. I have already done many minor repairs to this machine and love it to death so far. 3 point is the only thing I wished it had. Woods L59, she mows pretty good after tinkering and fixing PO rigging.

[cricket142]

After reviewing the image on page 76, It appears, from what I recall, to be missing, from items 8 and down. Not sure if that is possible and still be able to steer. But I know I am missing at least 12,17,5.
It appears that these can be replace with the box in the tractor, as long as there is nothing a miss with why they are not there at this time.
When rocking the steering wheel back and forth, I can see the main steering shaft, item2, kicking back and forth from side to side. Once the shaft seems to hit the housing, the steering tightens up and lets the wheels turn. If that is whats happening, no wonder the steering is tight.
Thanks again outdoor, if you any further input, or anyone else, its greatly appreciated.

[cricket142]

I took a look at it again last night. The bottom of the box appears to be as described and as the picture shows. The play is on the side shaft that leads to the front of the tractor.

[cricket142]

The play is between the steering shaft lever and the housing. By looking at the drawing, there appears to only be an oil seal and a steering nut. No bushing or bearing at that location. When you turn the steering wheel back and forth to locate the play, you can see the shaft teetering from side to side. Does anyone know what is suppose to support this shaft? Does anyone know how to adjust this "play" out of the steering? Can it even be adjusted or is something worn out or broke?
I cannot understand how there is no bearing at this location as the lever is what is connected to the tie rods leading to the front end. There is a lot of thrust load at this location.