poor mans power streering

[bigplow1 26]

does anybody know the size of the spindle that goes through the swept front axle on a 520h I want to instal bearings to make it steer easier for my father I dont have the tractor here to measure

thanks Todd

[sorekiwi 761]

1 inch. Bearings like this?

The top set is 3/4 " id for a "normal" spindle, the lower set is for the 1" spindle.

[bigplow1 26]

yes like those or these 3/4" 2855t5 1" 2855t7 the plugs in these are graphite I am going to order some for my case tractors also just did not know the size for the horse you do not need wahers for these and others have said they are more tolerable to dirt as I use my case for plow days and the horse is at my parents for the mowing duties there.My dad does not keep up with maintence very well so the simpler the better they do cost twice as much though

thanks for your reply Todd

[tunahead72 2,518]

Guys, this looks really interesting, but I have to show my ignorance here -- where do you get these bearings, and where are they installed exactly? Do they really help to reduce steering effort?

Thanks!

[Kelly 1,030]

The 520 with the forward swept axle all ready has torrington bearings on the spindles.

[1maidenfan 202]

Guys, this looks really interesting, but I have to show my ignorance here -- where do you get these bearings, and where are they installed exactly? Do they really help to reduce steering effort?

Thanks!

The bearings that sorekiwi has posted are still available at a local toro dealer, just purchased some for my 18 auto and are not that costly. The location is between the bottom of the axle/spindle tube . They make a difference when they go bad so if you have none at all it should make some difference.

[sorekiwi 761]

Ed, they can be put on the spindles (below the axle) so that all the weight of the front of the tractor is carried by the bearings instead of the normal steel on steel.

I havent actually put them on a WH axle yet, I have a set on a JD axle that I am fitting to my 1276.

A lot of the JD guys do it, some swear by it and some dont notice much difference. It can also be a help with a front end loader.

You may find that they shim the spindle down far enough that the circlip groove is too low to fit the circlip. The fix for that is to machine, grind or file a little off the top of the axle.

The bearings I pictured are Torringtons and should be able to be ordered through a bearing house. I am fairly sure that I ordered mine from MSC. Look for "Needle Roller Thrust Bearings". They come as a bearing and then you order two hardened steel shims, one to go each side of the bearing. The thrust shims come in various thickness's, I ordered the thinist ones they had, I think they are around .032"

If you need me to I can come up with some part numbers and dimensions. Not tonight though!

[bigplow1 26]

mcmastercar has them 5909k33 bearings 5909k46 washers 9562k45 seals should be around 20 bucks for all

[sgtsampay 117]

I know this is an old thread but I wanted to share my experience.

 

I read about this mod a couple weeks ago and ordered some bronze washers and bearings for the front spindles. I also while I was at it did the tie rod upgrade to hem joints.

 

I know using a fish scale isn’t totally accurate but before the mod with decent stock tie rods, I got about 15-20 pounds of resistance.  
 

now that I have completed the upgrade the fish scale reads around 10pounds to turn the steering wheel. So I took it out for a spin and I think there is an improvement but I don’t know.. the play is all gone and there is a slight amount in the play in the lower steering shaft support where the grease  zerk is but otherwise, it seems fine. 
 

i also wanted to share some notes:

I have a bone stock c-120 and when turning the wheel it seems about twice as much or so effort to twist than the upgrade c160.

 

I also set the toe in to be about .5in when I put the new tie rods in.

 

the lower steering shaft support is egg shaped so that’s where the remaining play is coming from. About 1in of movement before the tires move.

 

Oh and finally, I discovered this from a co worker. When putting the tie rod ends on the rod, putting a some grease into the rod end before you start screwing it on allows for the freeze to squirt out into the ball (in my case a hem joint) and grease it up. Just thought it was a cool way to grease these things and I’m. It sure if every tie rod end has them. Put wouldn’t hurt to try right? 

Oh and grinding down the tops of the axles isn’t that hard but it took a little while because I kept trying to make it as strait as possible.. 

[kpinnc 13,731]

I'm sure adding bearings will make steering easier, but they will need to be cleaned and regreased regularly. 

 

Tire selection and proper inflation would be a better option with less modifications. The steering on a post 1991 520 is already very good unless there is another issue binding it up.