Buzz 502 #1 Posted June 24, 2019 I've always liked the looks of the 953 and 1054 so at this years Show I picked up a nice 953 from Dell. He was upfront with it's issues, choke and throttle cables, and of course its steering. Cables no problem to fix but steering is loose and difficult to turn. Any one have any info on these tractors or suggestions on correcting the steering problem? Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,448 #2 Posted June 24, 2019 Buzz: Does your 953 have the Ross Steering gear setup or a fan gear like the 1054's! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #3 Posted June 24, 2019 4 minutes ago, Lane Ranger said: Buzz: Does your 953 have the Ross Steering gear setup or a fan gear like the 1054's! This has the Ross Steering gear set up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,391 #4 Posted June 24, 2019 (edited) 3 hours ago, Buzz said: I picked up a nice 953 from Dell Congratulations, that is a nice second generation 953. The 953 owner's manual has a good run down on adjusting the steering. Also, @Lane Ranger did a good thread on rebuilding the Ross Steering if adjustment won't do the trick. Edited June 24, 2019 by 953 nut fat finger 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #5 Posted June 24, 2019 I can see a Ross rebuild in my future. Is there a downloadable owners manual somewhere so I can see what I have? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,391 #6 Posted June 24, 2019 7 minutes ago, Buzz said: I can see a Ross rebuild in my future. Is there a downloadable owners manual somewhere so I can see what I have? In my opinion @Lane Ranger did a great job, but there are threads on some Cub sites because they used Ross for a much longer time. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RandyLittrell 3,906 #7 Posted June 24, 2019 I have cubs and if you search how to rebuild a cub cadet steering box, you will find what you need. Go ahead and do the "super steer upgrade" Its a 605 nice bearing on the bolt that tightens the steering arm to the box. Jack up the front end and pull the spindles, then clean all the old grease out and put new in. With the box rebuild and spindles, it will feel like it has power steering. You can also use a wheel bearing in the top of the tube in place of the plastic bushing thats probably in there now. Randy 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,655 #8 Posted June 24, 2019 I reamed out the gt14 front axle (same thing) spindle holes to 1” and installed bronze sleeves. Reamed them back out to 7/8”. I installed thrust bearings and washers between the axle and spindle then reinstalled the spindles. I also installed 3/4” lipped bearings in the upper and lower tube. You would only need the upper bearing as Randy said. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,916 #9 Posted June 25, 2019 (edited) You lost me Ritchie ... which is easy to do.... are you saying a GT-14 has a Ross box or is that something you did to the front end to tighten things up? Following with interest here just cause some day I have a 953 to resto. Edited June 25, 2019 by WHX24 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,655 #10 Posted June 25, 2019 (edited) The tightening part. 👍 The later model 953 has the fan gear just like the 1054 and the gt14. I was mainly talking about the front axle. That should be all the same as a gt14. The tie rod is the same but the drag link is like 3” shorter. Sorry if I threw you for a loop @WHX24 Jim Edited June 25, 2019 by 19richie66 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,916 #11 Posted June 25, 2019 No problem Ritchie.. I kinda figured you was talking about the front end What's happening up ther has alot to do with a nice steering horse no matter the model. That said Buzz I think I see a Ross box rebuild in order for you. You want Buzz I will gladly reem @dells68 @$$ for selling you a tractor with bad steering. Be my pleasure... Dells takes it pretty well! You do the rebuild Buzz keep us informed @Lane Ranger thread is pretty old and parts availability may have changed. I have one to do and @953 nut might have one cause he is gonna get my leftovers! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lane Ranger 11,448 #12 Posted June 25, 2019 16 minutes ago, WHX24 said: No problem Ritchie.. I kinda figured you was talking about the front end What's happening up ther has alot to do with a nice steering horse no matter the model. That said Buzz I think I see a Ross box rebuild in order for you. You want Buzz I will gladly reem @dells68 @$$ for selling you a tractor with bad steering. Be my pleasure... Dells takes it pretty well! You do the rebuild Buzz keep us informed @Lane Ranger thread is pretty old and parts availability may have changed. I have one to do and @953 nut might have one cause he is gonna get my leftovers! Old , jeez to be young again ! 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,916 #13 Posted June 25, 2019 Lol ..sorry Lane but your picture taking ability has been somewhat improved from those days.. All the same I learned a couple of things from that basement beautie... thanks for digging it up Richard 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dells68 7,499 #14 Posted June 25, 2019 You forget that I’m married Jim. A good reeming is on my weekly schedule😂🤣😂. Actually, she’s a pretty darn good woman to put up with me and even supports my addiction. Heck, she even rode in the Big Show cruise with us. Haven’t had the pleasure of meeting your wife, but that woman has got to be a saint to put up with you😂🤣😂! @Buzz, I hope you get that box figured out. I don’t mind working on tie rods and such, but me thinks there might be some black magic inside. I hope you enjoy your tractor!! 1 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,655 #15 Posted June 25, 2019 Here is a good read on the Ross boxes also, even though it’s yellow. http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/steering.htm 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,391 #16 Posted June 25, 2019 2 hours ago, 19richie66 said: Here is a good read on the Ross boxes also, even though it’s yellow. http://gardentractorpullingtips.com/steering.htm Brian Miller has always been my go-to on engines, guess I will ad steering to that list. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WHX?? 51,916 #17 Posted June 25, 2019 Yeah thanks Ritchie. The things that guy knows is incredible. Food for thought here Buzz is maybe send the box to him for a professional rebuild. That's I what I would be inclined to do if I wasn't comfortable doing it myself. I could see myself doing something stupid and end up with a box that looked like his pic. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RandyLittrell 3,906 #18 Posted June 25, 2019 Here is another good guide. http://cubfaq.com/steeringrebuild.html Randy 1 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #19 Posted July 6, 2019 Update on the 953. It's too darn hot and I'm too darn old to work on it right now. That's a job for cooler weather. Now back to the swimming pool. 2 1 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,952 #20 Posted July 6, 2019 Same here. It was over 90 out and I'm working on the snowplow hitch for my 953 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Herder 2,355 #21 Posted July 6, 2019 1 hour ago, squonk said: Same here. It was over 90 out and I'm working on the snowplow hitch for my 953 Gave up on working in the shop. To dam hot! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
19richie66 17,655 #22 Posted July 6, 2019 I open the shed door and look at mine. Close it and go back inside. 1 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Buzz 502 #23 Posted July 10, 2019 I took a quick look at pulling the steering column and the first problem I see is getting the steering wheel off. looks like a previous owner tried unsuccessfully. I see there are two holes in the center of the steering wheel but at a quick glance couldn't see if they were tapped. Anyone know off hand? Also any tips from those that have done the job? Also noticed that the drag link from the steering gearbox to steering arm has a slight bend. Is this normal? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 60,391 #24 Posted July 11, 2019 The drag link has a slight bend, no problem. I have had good results using a "Bearing Splitter" pulling the steering wheel. Liberal application of penetrating oil over several days may be required depending on how rusted the shaft is. The two holes in my wheels are not threaded and are too close together to be able to use a harmonic damper puller anyway. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ZXT 2,401 #25 Posted July 11, 2019 On 7/6/2019 at 11:06 AM, Buzz said: Update on the 953. It's too darn hot and I'm too darn old to work on it right now. That's a job for cooler weather. Now back to the swimming pool. I hope you're speaking of swimming in it and not digging it! The company I've been working for has been working on the electrical for quite a few pools... Manually digging for the electrical for pools is not fun, this is from personal experience! Good luck on your 953. I aspire to own one day, to park next to my GT-14. Never knew that WH's used anything but a butterfly steering gear! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites