Hit Stump w/ front left wheel - How do I adjust Steering?

The way to adjust the alignment on any Cub Cadet or #series Lo-boy is to adjust the tie rod ends. Back off the jam nut, then spin the tie rod end (part #7 from the diagram above) out or in on the tie rod, then re-tighten the jam nut. However, it is unlikely that you knocked it out of alignment unless you bent something. If you stopped the tractor by hitting the stump, you have likely bent something. My guess is that you have bent either the spindle itself or the arm on the spindle, and it is hitting the axle stop too quickly. In either case, you likely need a new spindle, or you may have to straighten it. Be careful if you try to straighten it, as they tend to break if torqued on too many times. If you clean it off you should be able to see either chipped or wrinkled paint where the bend is.

Bill
 
When I turn the steering wheel to the right I have full movement of both tires to the right. When I turn the steering wheel to the left I have movement of both tires only half the normal radius of a left hand turn.

Right side is 100% normal. Left side is 50% radius.
 
Looking at the parts diagram and deciphering what appears to be the problem, I think that the problem may very well lie with the parts listed in the Jim's reply. 3,5, or 7 probably are it. I have a feeling that if you look at part #3 and compare the orientation you may find that the left side is off. It appears that they should be orientated parallel but 180 degrees rotated when the wheels are pointed straight. If that is indeed the case then you may have to disassemble and realign on reassembly.

Now mind you, I am extrapolating from other tractors with similar front ends.
 
I( am sure you have something bent, I dont think you will solve the problem by moving the pitman arm on the steering box. It is most likely keyed to go only one way
 
FINDINGS: When I turn the steering wheel to the right, the linkage up front is fine. Nothing out of the ordinary. When I turn the wheel to the left about half way through the rotation, the drag link ball joint (#7) at the steering lever (#8) end of things was hitting the steering lever support assembly (#5) at the lip that is located essentially directly below the engine fan. I noticed that the right side tie rod and tie rod end seemed to move down slightly when the steering lever moved. This caused the drag link ball joint to move up and when the steering lever turned to the left the threaded portion of the drag link ball joint (#7) hit the support assembly (#5). Rather than take apart the tie rods and ball joints on each side of the tractor or remove the drag link rod (None of which appeared visibly bent) I decided to do the following.

Right or wrong it was a very simply fix.

I decided to take a dremel with a grinding bit and a cutting wheel and make a small notch in the steering lever support assembly lip portion for the threaded portion of the drag link ball join to pass by. I ground out a section roughly 1/2" wide x 1/4" deepand the problem was solved. I ground my little notch smooth and rounded everything so that there were no sharp edges. Worked perfectly. Took the tractor for a ride and everything seemed smooth. No sounds, no issues.

I am guessing that the part that is bent is the left hand side of the steering lever (#8) where the drag link ball joint (#7) connects. It is such a slight bend that you cannot even see it but if you were able to heat up and bend the steering lever (#8) down slightly the ball joint would have cleared the little lip on the support assembly. Either way, I'm satisifed with the fix.
 
Well I guess it is good that you found the problem and devised a temporary fix for it. How much of the original Modifying a part with a repair such as that is probably not ideal at least to my mind, but it does allow you to use the tractor.

I see which part you mean.. Item #8 on page 3, IH part # 404 600 R1 Lever Steering. I would probably talk to Bob and see if you can get replacement parts for the future as you may probably want to install good parts should you decide to restore the lo-boy.
 
Rudi - I totally agree. Bob is out of town right now but i believe he wuill be back on Monday. I sent his wife a few emails. I will be speaking to him about a replacement part which should not be difficult to get or install. But, for now my 8 acres can get cut and brush can be moved so I am happy with it.
 
I just picked up all 3 drag links rods, 4 drag link joints and a new steering lever all from hamiltonbobscubs on Ebay. $60.00 plus shipping
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top