Worm wheel shaft

C

CaperKen

Active member
I've read through posts from 10 to 15 years ago and there seems to be disagreement regarding thrust washer(s) on the worm wheel shaft.

Most folks say that there is only a lower thrust washer while a few mention an upper thrust washer. The manuals and TM Tractor photos show the worm wheel shaft (15) fitting into the upper worm wheel shaft bushing (14) that is installed in the steering gear housing assembly (11). I've never seen an upper thrust washer for the worm wheel shaft in any photo, just a lower thrust washer (23).

However, when inserting the worm wheel shaft into the installed upper bushing (14) with the steering gear housing (11) upside down, the gears on the worm wheel shaft rub on the housing assembly. Does the worm wheel shaft (15) drop down enough in the upper bushing when the gear housing assembly is turned right-side up so that the gears do not rub on the housing assembly? If this does not happen, there seems to be the need for an upper thrust washer on the worm wheel shaft.
 
There are definitely both upper and lower thrust washers. The upper one can't be removed without taking off the steering wheel and support and sliding it all the way up and off the shaft. It may look like it is part of the worm gear. The lower one often slides off into the steering housing. I looked at several parts catalogs and can't find a listing or picture for either one though.
 
There is an upper and lower thrust washer on the steering shaft, but I believe there is only one thrust washer on the worm wheel shaft. That is what I found when I disassembled and rebuilt my 48 Cub's steering assembly, and as you noted that is what the parts manual shows. There are however, upper and lower bushings on the worm wheel shaft.
 
early cubs had steel washers later cubs bronze washers, upper is held in place by gear, the lowers fall off when shaft is removed as it just sits on the shaft and falls in the housing, mostly with the bronze type, a little grease when installed prevents it from falling off the shaft
 
Thanks. So, there is no upper thrust washer on the steering shaft and that's how I installed it. I packed the upper bushing with Lucas Red & Tacky just in case. After the front assembly was completed and turned right-side-up the movement was nice and smooth.
 
Hi,
Be sure the upper and lower shafts don't have excessive end play. End play can make free play when turning the steering wheel.
Looseness anywhere in the steering parts can make free play when turning the steering wheel. :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top