Lower Steering Shaft Removal

[kthomas62 44]

Hello guys,

As some of you know, I own a 1988 WH 414-8 and I have been working on the sloppy steering (I created a post on this recently). The upper steering shaft is worn bad enough that I am going to replace it and I was fortunate enough to find a new old stock one and purchased it. 

 

I also have a good lower steering shaft and plan to replace it at the same time so both components have good gear teeth to mesh properly. My question is this, is it possible pull the lower steering shaft without pulling the engine? 
TIA!
Kevin

[c-series don 8,687]

Hi Kevin, I believe you have to at least lift the motor a bit to get the lower shaft out. I’d replace the steering block while you’re at it. Brian from K+B Wheel Horse Parts should have it. The hardest part may be removing the steering wheel from the shaft. Recently I had to use two Port a Powers and a two foot long piece of 3/4” round stock that I hit with a sledgehammer. 

[kthomas62 44]

4 minutes ago, c-series don said:

Hi Kevin, I believe you have to at least lift the motor a bit to get the lower shaft out. I’d replace the steering block while you’re at it. Brian from K+B Wheel Horse Parts should have it. The hardest part may be removing the steering wheel from the shaft. Recently I had to use two Port a Powers and a two foot long piece of 3/4” round stock that I hit with a sledgehammer. 

Hey Don!
Thanks!
I was wondering if I could get by with raising the engine some. Thanks for the lead on the steering block!! And that's no joke in getting that roll pin out! I have been working on that but I thought since the old upper shaft is shot, I may use my die grinder and cut the shaft below the steering wheel and put it in my vice like you show. 

Kevin

Edited August 30 by kthomas62

[c-series don 8,687]

@kthomas62  If your steering wheel has a removable center cap the shaft can be pressed out. My wheel didn’t have a removable cap. Yes getting the roll pin out can be a real challenge too! A proper roll pin punch is a necessity. I think someone here said they had good luck using masonry bits to drill it out. One thing I know for sure is that this is the best place for anything Wheel Horse, with the nicest people on the internet. 

[Lee1977 6,655]

When you reinstall the steering shafts you have to shim the lower shaft to get the gears to mesh. Too tight will cause excess wear and hard steering and too loose will also cause wear. 

The fan gear is cast and 1 1/2" to 2 " play in the steering wheel is as good as you can expect..

Edited August 30 by Lee1977

[kthomas62 44]

7 hours ago, Lee1977 said:

When you reinstall the steering shafts you have to shim the lower shaft to get the gears to mesh. Too tight will cause excess wear and hard steering and too loose will also cause wear. 

The fan gear is cast and 1 1/2" to 2 " play in the steering wheel is as good as you can expect..

Thanks Lee