time for a 502 steering upgrade

[Pullstart 66,878]

Well, I was pretty sure that some time soon, my loose steering would end up failing on me... and luckily for me last night, as soon as mommy hopped off for the night I hopped on and lost my main steering link.

 

 

With a little bit of measuring and drilling holes, is there any reason I couldn't use the current steering shaft and worm gear/link and change to separate rod ends?  I haven't ever worked on steering geometry but I'm sure as loose as the current setup is, any change would be an improvement.

[Pullstart 66,878]

bombing my own topic, a few searches got me to this link - http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Ackermann%20steering%20geometry

 

explains simple ackermann steering geometry, sounds perfect for my little put put.

[Pullstart 66,878]

checking with a straght edge, it seems the steering arms are pretty close to the ackerman design, not worth changing a ton.

 

last night I pulled apart the steering arms, tie rods and front steering shaft.  if I manage to figure any improvements out playing with cardboard, I'll be sure to take some pictures and get them up.  I sure would love to improve my 10' steering radius!  so far, the yard gets mowed like we're driving a zambonie on the ice.

[WheelHorse79 271]

When I bought my 854 last December, you could turn the wheel 1/2 turn without moving the front wheels.  When I tore it apart, I found out that the roll pin that WH put in the steering shaft at the sector joint was about ready to fail.  I had a local guy weld the sector to the shaft and took care of that problem.  I still have a 1/8 wheel turn of play, from the steering knuckles on the spindles.  The roll pins there are a bit loose too.  I guess I should have had the local guy weld those joints too.

 

You probably have already done this, but make sure that any other points in your steering linkage that might have play are addressed too.  Good luck with your endeavor!

[Pullstart 66,878]

Thanks for the tips!  I pulled it all apart by punching the roll pins out, I suppose it would be cheap insurance to replace those!  thanks for the tip, I'll be sure to address every joint for slop and the potential to eliminate what's there.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,493]

Early 1964 models are likely included in this.

Garry

[WheelHorse79 271]

My 854's serial number is 40927, so it is probably an early model.  Where is the best place to buy the 5/16 X 1 1/2" roll pins?  Thanks!

Edited July 25, 2013 by WheelHorse79

[Pullstart 66,878]

still adding to the frustration of turn baby turn...  I pulled the axle bolt out yesterday to find the cause of wear - to my surprise the bolt threads are worn beyond believe.  I thought the axle might be worn out, but I replaced the 1/2" bolt and that tightened up the axle very well!  need some grease in there and the next step will be fixing the ovaled out tie rod "bar".  I can definately say this front end needed a better grease schedule than it had in the past!  what a difference it made to find those threads were causing so much misery!

[boovuc 1,090]

Most all-around good hardware stores carry roll pins. So do Lowes but I wonder about quality. Fastenall, Ace Hardware, Home Depot, etc.

Look in hardwares in the drawers.