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'49 8n steering gear

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Paul Malizia

05-07-2006 19:04:59




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The steering gear assembly on my tractor is driving me nuts. Top bearing on the steering shaft was replaced, all adjustments made, but there is still about 1/4" of backlash present on the right side at the bottom of the Pitman arm.
The bushings are good and the teeth on both sectors and the steering nut look like new. I can only notice two potential problems. There is a bit of wear on the steering shaft where the old top bearing was going bad, and the nut on the steering shaft has just a tiny amount of movement when I "rock" it on the shaft from side to side. It is hardly noticeable, though.
Does anyone know whether the new $188.00 shaft/nut assembly is going to solve my problem?

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soundguy

05-08-2006 07:15:49




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to Paul Malizia, 05-07-2006 19:04:59  
Did you use/remove the shims under the top cover of the steering box to establis just a hair of preload on the worm shaft? If you have any up/down movement on the steering shaft, you may not have taken out enough shims.

Also.. did you rotate the sector side plate on that side to adjust out the play?

Soundguy



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Paul Malizia

05-08-2006 09:12:55




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to soundguy, 05-08-2006 07:15:49  
Yes, I did that.
After sleeping on this, I think I'll go for broke and spend the $188 for a shaft/nut/ball assembly to see if that does it. It's pitted and worn where the top bearing rides on it anyways.
The thing is, if I forget the first adjustment of the left sector and nut, I can eliminate any backlash as between the two sectors. Problem with that is that both front wheels would wobble instead of just the right one. My thinking is that the tiny amount of movement of the nut on the steering shaft/nut may be the problem. If a new one provides less rotation of the left sector to remove backlash, there'll be plenty of adjustment left between the two sectors.
I was just hoping that someone else went through this scenario and could offer some encouragement, but searched this site and it wasn't addressed.
One thing is for sure, and that is that I'll be sharing the results on this site.
Thanks again.

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soundguy

05-08-2006 12:05:17




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to Paul Malizia, 05-08-2006 09:12:55  
Are yo saying that you have play between the ballnut and the worm shaft? If so.. the balls may be worn, if the wormshaft looks ok. i think I'd try to find new ball bearings instead of a new shaft.. The shotgun approach of throwing expensive parts at tractors is not a great way to do it. For a bit more then that ballnut assembly and shaft.. you could get another steering box...

Have you checked for play in other steering members.. like draglink ends.. tie rod ends.. hubs/spindles bushings / bearings?

Please post back about where the wear is.. and if you are indeed refering to the 'ballnut'.. when you say 'nut'.

If it were me.. I'd brase up the bearing surface and then polish down.. and add new balls before dropping 188$ for half the innards on an old style box...Especially when 2hrs of labor and 5$ of parts might fix it.. etc

post back

Soundguy

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Paul Malizia

05-08-2006 16:43:12




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to soundguy, 05-08-2006 12:05:17  
Yes, the ballnut is wobbling just a hair on the steering shaft, but the steering shaft is also chewed up a bit where the top bearing rides on it.
I think an entire new box with the four bolt side plates is about $700, unless I convert it over the the newer one, in which event it's $500 by the time it gets to my house.
I'll let you know how I make out.
Thanks so much for your help.



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soundguy

05-09-2006 05:00:14




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to Paul Malizia, 05-08-2006 16:43:12  
You just missed a rebuilt early style box for 275$ at john smiths used parts section on his website... I really think you should check out a few other places too... 700$ seems like an awfull lot of money... I've seen em for less.

besides that.. i think I'd try to fix it first... a handfull of ball bearings from the hardware store are pretty cheap.. same with a little brass and flux...

Still.. your money and machine.. do whatever you think is best.

By the way.. there is a fellow selling re-pop old style boxes... new.. not used.. probably made overseas.. I heard the money$$ was real reasonable...

Soundguy

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Paul Malizia

05-09-2006 09:47:12




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to soundguy, 05-09-2006 05:00:14  
Thanks a million for your help. I knew there had to be someone out there who could help with a name/place to get some more economical parts.
I will let you know what happens with the new steering shaft.



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soundguy

05-09-2006 11:03:25




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 Re: '49 8n steering gear in reply to Paul Malizia, 05-09-2006 09:47:12  
He may have the new boxes.. meaning a draglink change.. however.. he may also have a better deal on old style parts.

good luck

Soundguy



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