Steering gear question

[DY59]

Hi all, in my ongoing rebuild of the front end of my '54 cub, I am seeing two different parts versions of the area where the steering shaft enters the gearbox. In my parts manual, (TC-37D) there is only a seal at the point where the steering shaft enters the gearbox. But on TM Tractors website, there is a thrust washer shown. See pics attached. Should I install a thrust washer here or not?

 

[Larry in WNY]

There's a thick washer at the end of the steering shaft. I don't recall there being 2 but the diagram shows an upper and lower thrust washer..

 

[Glen]

Hi,
Below are listings at TM Tractor Parts for the upper and lower washer, so you or others can see the pictures of the parts.
https://www.tmtractor.com/new/st/715fp.htm

TM Tractor Parts for McCormick Farmall Cub, International Cub, and International Lo-Boy

 

[Bob McCarty]

Definitely two thrust washers. The lower often falls into the casting when you remove the steering shaft.

 

[tst]

sometimes the washers are solid steel and are part of the shaft
mostly they are bronze/brass, Top stays on but the bottom can fall in the box when shaft is pulled

 

[DY59]

sometimes the washers are solid steel and are part of the shaft
mostly they are bronze/brass, Top stays on but the bottom can fall in the box when shaft is pulled

Thanks tst. There does seem to be two steel thrust washers built onto the shaft. Also, based on careful measurements between the bottom of the box and the opening, there is no room to add even a thin washer so I think additional thrust washers are not needed in this particular unit.

 

[DY59]

Thanks everyone for the helpful information

 

[inairam]

Make sure to clear the hole in the fill plug to vent the pressure in the housing. The heat from the coolant will build pressure in the housing that will push oil past the new seal.

 

[Glen]

Hi,
Below is a picture of the vent holes in the steering gear housing oil filler plug.
There are 2 holes, they are at different angles, and meet inside the plug.
The larger hole is on the bottom of the plug, the smaller hole is on one of the flats for the wrench.
You can use drill bits to clean the holes, No electric drill, just the bits, and pliers to turn them. The bits collect the dirt, and you can pull it out of the holes.
After using the bits, I would use air and blow out the hole to be sure it is open. Wear your safety goggles when using the air.