steering roll pin replacement vs bolts or other options?

[Pullstart 63,200]

So one of my roll pins came loose on my lower steering shaft this weekend and I lost all steering other than my feet pushing the tires to the left and right until I could park my 502.  I was looking at the roll pin service bulletin here, wonder if using a 1/4-20 bolt with a smooth shaft might work.  Has anyone tried it either way on an old horse?  Would there be any interference of the bolt head or a lock-nut anywhere?

[AMC RULES 37,141]

Why not use another roll pin?

[Pullstart 63,200]

another 1/4" pin?  it seems time for improvement rather than just replacement of what is there, I have plenty of steering slop that could be a big help to reduce.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,133]

 

Plus you could likely drive a 2nd pin inside the first.

 

If the hole is worn even the slightest think I would clamp all the pieces so they could not move and drill it twice. 9/32" and then 5/16"

 

If using a bolt you need to cut a slit in the collar so the bolt can colapse the eye tight on the shaft. Then use a grade 8 bolt and nut torqued to the maximum.

 

Garry

[WheelHorse79 271]

I had the same problem with my 854, seems to be endemic with the round hoods.  I had a welder weld the steering sector to the shaft so that it would never loosen up again.  That fix took out about 80% of the steering slop.  The rest is in the front ball joints in the steering linkage which I will take care of someday.

[Pullstart 63,200]

I had the same problem with my 854, seems to be endemic with the round hoods.  I had a welder weld the steering sector to the shaft so that it would never loosen up again.  That fix took out about 80% of the steering slop.  The rest is in the front ball joints in the steering linkage which I will take care of someday.

good idea, is the steering sector cast iron or cast steel?  I suppose if I were to re-bush or add a carriage bearing to the steering shaft it wouldn't need to come apart again.

[Racinbob 11,293]

As Garry mentioned, use a 5/16" roll pin and drive a 3/16" inside it. Service Bulletin #62 addressed this.

[Pullstart 63,200]

Ok, I understand now - to expand the 5/16 and prevent it from crushing to create slop..  thanks!

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,133]

As Garry mentioned, use a 5/16" roll pin and drive a 3/16" inside it. Service Bulletin #62 addressed this.

 

Garry

[squonk 41,637]

I did as the bulletin prescribed on my 704 and replaced my tie rods with custom spherical rod ends. Drives like a new car without the cheap plastic smell! 

Edited March 25, 2015 by squonk

[stevasaurus 22,909]

Just so you know...a 1/4" bolt will work with no interference...if you do not have any threads sticking out of the nut.  Did this on my 702 as a temporary fix until I could do the double roll pin thingy. 

[formariz 11,988]

I had that problem once with most of tractors I have . I bought some different type of roll pin from McMaster Carr ( military grade ??) and never had an issue again .

[Racinbob 11,293]

I had that problem once with most of tractors I have . I bought some different type of roll pin from McMaster Carr ( military grade ??) and never had an issue again .

Good point. I bought one of those gazillion packs from Harbor Freight and they were extremely soft as roll pins go. They were cheap but still not worth the money.

[Pullstart 63,200]

I had that problem once with most of tractors I have . I bought some different type of roll pin from McMaster Carr ( military grade ??) and never had an issue again .

 

 

Are they the pins that wrap inside each other like a spring in a way?  I picked up an assortment of 4 sizes the other day and can't wait for the time to try them out!  I grabbed one set just bigger than 1/4" that I'm hoping I might be able to press through with a c-clamp - otherwise I've got a new lithium ion Milwaukee drill that would love to come out and play.

[gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,133]

There are 2 types of roll pins and often see them misnamed.

 

A split roll pin is a single roll of spring steel.

A spiral roll pin is multiple turns of a lighter gauge of spring steel.

Look at the end of them to determine the type.

 

The ones that are doubled up for added strength are the split pins.

 

Garry

[steve k 82]

Exactly what I was thinking Garry.   I dont see many "true" roll pins anymore however.

[formariz 11,988]

Here is a link to the ones I got. I have the extra strenght steel and the black steel military spec ones. Never had to replace any again.

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/#roll-pins/=wji1ng------------coiled spring pins

 

http://www.mcmaster.com/#roll-pins/=wji0eg---------------military spec

[Pullstart 63,200]

yeah I used the coiled springs and it still seemed to tighten things up a bit.  I think the left side spindle needs to be drilled out because the steering arm seems to be smaller diameter than the spindle.. so there is still slop with a larger pin.  driving the pin into the sector shaft from underneath went a bit easier when I used a 1/4" extension to hold the pin and drive it with the hammer.