1882 back to working condition

[Sam Mac]

Originally Posted by j.m.jackson

Sam Mac,

I wonder if this shaft I have is from a later model something after MTD cheapened it up...

I don't think so, the later so called Cubs have a plastic barrel system for the joints. My guess is the supplier to Cub got behind on production and didn't drill them for the grease fittings or cut the snap-ring groove, but that's just a guess.

[j.m.jackson]

Sam Mac,

I pulled a measurement on the shaft, looks like 24 is about right.

[j.m.jackson]

Here's the first pressure washing results (until the pump blew a fitting, more fun)

Any ideas on the power steering input bearing?

[Sam Mac]

Mike the plastic bushing at the top of the steering control valve should be no big deal. I think you can get it from Cub. Looks like the same one that goes in the regular steering column but I have not measured one so I can't say for sure. Your doing pretty much the same things I had to do to my Supers.

[j.m.jackson]

Sam Mac,

My steering valve looks like it already has a bearing or bushing in there.

From cubcadet.com, it's RG-061016x1 (Bearing, Column), $29, and it's sloppy around the shaft but seems to be tight in the tube. Any ideas how to get it out to replace it without tearing down the whole valve?

[Sam Mac]

I think it's plastic, I thought it had a lip on top that maybe you could get bearing puller on or maybe you could drill a couple holes in it and screw in a dent puller and pop it out.

[j.m.jackson]

I got the bushing out, I had to use some metal roofing screws and properly applied force, but it'll be much tighter when a good bushing goes back in. Now it's time to collect some parts and put it back together after a little more degreasing, 'adjustment' with a heavy hammer, and paint. Not a restoration, just putting it back in proper cub working clothes, and addressing issues. =)

I agree with the others, tho, paint quality from this era machine is, well, lacking.

[Sam Mac]

The paint isn't lacking, it's a total joke but we can blame EPA for that and the Green guys have the same problem. Nice work.

[j.m.jackson]

Wow, that paint is absolutely aweful. I hit it with a 120 grit flap disk on the grinder, and it liquified and flowed, but never came off. So back to the 150grit by hand to get the flaked and popped areas, then 400 to knock it down, then primer, sand, primer, and sand.

[j.m.jackson]

Getting closer....