Narrow frame front axle play
 

Winter season will be here before we know it! After a many up grades made to the IH Cub Cadet 71 for full time winter snow removal, I thought it was time to repair the forward/backward "clunk-clunk" front axel play that occurs when the c-channel of the frame has become spread over the years of service. Here is where I began:

Over all view of left and right side of the steering components before I start the tear down:
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I will be making the repairs with the IH 42" push/dozed blade attached to the garden tractor. Make sure to safely and correctly jack up the tractor. Have the implement lift lever locked in the float position using the bail, so you don't lift the push/dozer blade before hand.
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I started out by removing both front wheels. After serious inspection I declared the steering arm and pin to be in good care and needless to separate from axel and steering knuckle. I can remove out from under the tractor the axel on the left side.
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I began by disconnecting the drag link, and over on the right side I would remove the tie rod, and steering knuckle.
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Now the to remove the spiral pin keeping in place the pivot pin.
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The spiral pin is removed. The hard part of removal was not having the correct length punch to do the job.
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I made a punch.
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Assemble the punch.
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I used a 2x4 block to support the axel, and taped the tie rod to the axel on the right side.
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With a small ballpeen hammer and punch, the pivot pin is on it's way out. So far this is becoming a easy ride, when time is taken to properly care for your tractor as shown here.
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pivot pin removed, two wheeled tractor now.
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I cleaned up the grease that has accumulated in gobs over the years out from the c-channel on the frame. Also swiped the axel, and pivot pin.
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I want to know how far the gap is spread. 3.343" is the spread.
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Axel width? 3.310"
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.034" play between the axel and c-channel.
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Cool..
Why didn't you remove the blade to make it easier?

With tension now squeezing the gap closed, I have a measurement of 3.094". Note the bolt bending, I did not have a better bolt. When I released the tension on the gap, I have a new gap measurement of 3.225".
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I have the pivot pin pre-lubed with anti seize, waiting for installment.
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Naturally, the bottom measurement on the c-channel is too small as seen here.
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