Quote:
Originally Posted by garydee
Looking at all 3 pictures and comparing them shows that there is a visual difference in the groove around each of the worm gears. If the cam follower is set where the groove is wider, it would be set deeper into the worm gear. When the steering wheel is turned and the cam follower is in an area where the groove is slightly narrower, it will exert more pressure on the outer edge of the worm gear channel possibly causing it to fracture. Another possibility could be end play in the box...or not enough lubricant. 
Excess play in the steering is not necessarily something you want to have, however a very slight amount might prevent the unit from fracturing.
I have rebuilt two units...neither had any damage fortunately. Both tractors had a bit more end play than I preferred, so when they were rebuilt and reinstalled in the Cubs, I raised the front axle and adjusted the steering cam follower so there were no points where it felt like there was even minute resistance when turning the wheels. The result was acceptable with only the slightest play in the steering.
The slight excess play is a small price to pay to make things last, especially since the Ross units are getting more expensive and harder to find.  |
These pictures are from 5 years ago when I was putting the tractor together. It was completely disassembled. But it looks like it originally lived a hard life. There were cracks in the frame from the engine plate mount holes up along the sides. So I don't know exactly what it was being used for. I repaired all of that back then and like I said I was able to locate a like new steering gear from a 1912.
When before I put the new steering gear in I followed the instructions for a rebuild and did replace the ball bearings and added a new follower. Everything was bench adjusted to specs. Shaft tension and the pinion plate, came follower was bottomed out and backed out 1/8 turn etc. I have super smooth steering since and keep it lubed and try not to force the wheels or anything while not in motion.
But I do plow my small drive with a haban 54 blade and that's about it.
I just want to take precautions to prevent what happend to the original steering. I do disconnect the tie rods every now and then and make sure it still feels smooth and that the cam hasn't backed out.