Al C. 1,428 #1 Posted September 19, 2019 (edited) I need help diagnosing this one. I have left-right play in the lower steering column where the vertical steering shaft goes into the lower steering support and meshes with the fan gear (pics attached). The steering column fits tightly against the fan gear but moves about an 1/8 of inch off center left or right when the wheel is turned (Wheel Horse SK 486 - 1982). I have ordered a new lower steering column support, thinking that the hole has wallowed out over time. But I’m wondering whether the problem might be wear around the lower steering column rod where it fits into the lower support. I have not ordered a steering column - yet. Any thoughts/bets? Edited September 21, 2019 by Al C. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,444 #2 Posted September 19, 2019 Looks like there is a bunch of wear in that pocket. I have seen were folks have stuck shim stock in those help take up the slack. like .002 filler gauge material. Not sure about what that pin measurement is supposed to be. Might try to find a decent one today and mic it. I figure someone here has that dimension. By the wear marks on the bore and teeth, it almost looks like that steering rod was raising vertical too. Was it skipping a tooth under a load? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al C. 1,428 #3 Posted September 19, 2019 Nope. Hasn’t skipped at all. The shaft fits tightly against the fan gear. That’s why I’m thinking that the problem is wear along the left and right sides if the pocket. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 43,945 #4 Posted September 19, 2019 Those blocks either wear out egg shaped or crack. I have seen bushings put in them but I would replace it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Racinbob 11,989 #5 Posted September 19, 2019 Send @rednos a PM. I believe he has some NOS parts to help you out. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeM 8,444 #6 Posted September 19, 2019 I was at the shop and measured a couple rods. The one on the top is from a ranger and measured .752 to .757 the other one is from an old C machine and it measured .747 consistently. by comparing the wear pattern, would say you may need both. It depends, if it something you run a lot, like Mike says, best to replace. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al C. 1,428 #7 Posted September 21, 2019 The new lower steering support arrived today. Fixed the problem. Steering is as tight as the day it was new! Appears to be no wear in the vertical steering column - saved me $50. 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
