zero 0 #1 Posted October 18, 2009 I am working on the steering system on my 312-8 and have purchased a new flanged bearing. The lower steering shaft slides freely into the new bearing and does not engage the spherical component, it is a tight slip fit. I assume that the bearing is supposed to rotate with the shaft and that the shaft should be tight in the bearing. I can use Bearing Lok on the shaft if needed, but I want to be sure that the sphere and shaft should turn as one. Any specs. on end play of the shaft would be appreciated. Zero Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #2 Posted October 18, 2009 Im prety sure that the shaft just rides in the flanged bearing. I have a new one here and it doesnt rotat just pivits. Hope this helps. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #3 Posted October 18, 2009 Any specs. on end play of the shaft would be appreciated. Install shims on the lower steering shaft (behind the lower steering support) to achieve 0 - .015" end play. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sorekiwi 761 #4 Posted October 18, 2009 I've replaced a couple of those bearings, and have found the same thing each time. It doesnt take much wear on the snout of the lower shaft in order for it to be a little too loose in the fit to the bearing, and a new bearing is tight enough that the shaft will turn inside the bearing, instead of the ball turning. Kinda defeats the purpose of having a bearing there.... Ideally you would put the lower haft in a lathe, turn down the snout to take a bush that would sleeve it back up to .750". Unfortunately the fan gear and the bracket at the forward end of the shaft make it almost impossible to get it in a lathe to do this turning. What I ended up doing was putting 4 "stakes" longitudinally along the end of the shaft, where it fits into the bearing with a cold chisel. It doesnt need to be that deep, just deep enough to raise some metal to give a tight fit in the bearing. Normally I tap the bearing onto the shaft (using a socket on the ball itself), and then put the whole assembly on the tractor. The steering has been a little too tight at first, but it does free up pretty fast. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bitten 134 #5 Posted October 18, 2009 TT Is that what section 18 ( what the parts picture says to look at)says and would that be the same for the upper shaft? P.J. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TT-(Moderator) 1,162 #6 Posted October 18, 2009 Is that what section 18 ( what the parts picture says to look at)says and would that be the same for the upper shaft? It could be. I got that information from the 1990 parts & service manual. The upper shaft should have the locking collar slid snugly up against the dash panel bushing while holding down on the steering wheel. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
