Ed Kennell 38,203 #1 Posted September 22, 2022 The steering on Fred needs attention. The wheel turns 1/4 turn and raises about 3/8" before engaging with the fan or worm gear. I assume there is a thrust bearing to prevent the shaft from lifting. I could use a drawing of the assembly and/or some advice on the best way to tighten up the steering. The spindles and tie rods are good. All the slop is in the upper shaft. @953 nut @gwest_ca Thanks 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,046 #2 Posted September 22, 2022 This operator manual includes what you need 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,290 #3 Posted September 22, 2022 (edited) The fan gear is supported by a 3/4" (I think) rod, # 6, that is supported at both ends by the dash tower, sounds like one end may have come out. Edited September 22, 2022 by 953 nut Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,203 #4 Posted September 22, 2022 19 minutes ago, 953 nut said: The fan gear Thanks Richard, but mine has the worm gear and pin design. So I'll try adjusting the tube plug and the tapered pin as detailed in the manual Garry supplied. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 41,140 #5 Posted September 22, 2022 Sounds like you have the Ross steering column. They need rebuilding quite often. I think Cub Cadet sites have info on those. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,173 #6 Posted September 22, 2022 If it is the Ross box - and I seem to remember it is, like @squonk mentioned. Then this is the culprit that will cause your misery...... They come in 2 thread sizes 1/2 & 9'16 and its been too long since I went into one and I dont remember which WH used. There used to be several "Kits" on the bay but I could only find the one and piece its 1/2". The 'kit would have bearings and gaskets too. do a search for Ross Steering Box Cam Follower 2 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 55,290 #7 Posted September 23, 2022 Jay Paxton @JPWH did a rebuild of a ross not too long ago, I seem to remember him posting some information on it. Also, @Lane Ranger did a post on the Ross boxes several years back. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,173 #8 Posted September 23, 2022 Heres another one on doing a rebuild of the Ross. https://www.gardentractortalk.com/threads/snapper-mf-1650-ross-steering-rebuild-help.10576/ I'm a "D" nut an all of them had the Ross, I reckon I've been in 5-6 of them. They were used on several of the other GT's - Cub, JD, Ford, etc 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JPWH 6,039 #9 Posted September 23, 2022 When I rebuilt the Ross steering in my 953 old grease in the worm gear and needing adjustment was the major problem. It would not adjust properly because the old grease was so hard. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ed Kennell 38,203 #10 Posted September 23, 2022 I adjusted the tapered pin and the bottom plug per the manual and pumped in some new grease. Freds front end is now smooth and tight. Thanks to all. 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pacer 3,173 #11 Posted September 23, 2022 Thats great!! You lucked out, the taper is usually worn deeply into each side and will prevent you from turning it. I was having trouble finding one few yrs ago and got PO"d and chucked it up in the lathe and ground it back into a taper - worked, but would have preferred to have had a new one..... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites