Need a New Steering Column for a 123

Zach17 · #1 12-01-2012, 08:54 PM

Hi,

I have an old Cadet 123 and need to replace the steering column. Obviously, I would like to spend as little money as possible. I don't really use this tractor because of the steering, and I have another tractor for mowing our lawn. I plan to eventually put a bucket loader on her, but the steering should come first.
I really have no idea where to start, and anyone who can tell me where to order a new steering column (as long as it works and looks like it will continue to work, doesn't have top be 100% perfect, but at least 75-80%, with all parts included) would be a huge help.
Also, from anyone who has done this, or similar projects, how hard is it to do? Would i get it done between myself and some family and friends with a pretty good knowledge of machinery, or would i need to go to a professional mechanic, and if it did, about how much is the cost (an average estimate, not perfect, of course).
Thanks to anyone who could help me with this!

ACecil · #2 12-01-2012, 10:20 PM

Welcome to OCC! Place a wanted ad in the Wanted Items section of the site, or check with our sponsors at the top of each page. Someone will have what you need.

zippy1 · #3 12-02-2012, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zach17

Hi,

So, i have an old Cadet 123 and need to replace the steering column. Obviously, I would like to spend as little money as possible. I don't really use this tractor because of the steering, and i have another tractor for mowing our lawn. I plan to eventually put a bucket loader on her, but the steering should come first.
I really have no idea where to start, and anyone who can tell me where to order a new steering column (as long as it works and looks like it will continue to work, doesn't have top be 100% perfect, but at least 75-80%, with all parts included) would be a huge help.
Also, from anyone who has done this, or similar projects, how hard is it to do? Would i get it done between myself and some family and friends with a pretty good knowledge of machinery, or would i need to go to a professional mechanic, and if it did, about how much is the cost (an average estimate, not perfect, of course).
Thanks to anyone who could help me with this!

Zach, welcome to OCC. What makes you think you need the whole steering column? What really is bad, does the shaft feel loose? (The shaft runs down inside the tube) Could the tube just be loose on the bottom where it attaches to the frame?
Could you get some pictures of what you think is wrong for us?
Also, if you have basic skills, know how to put things back together as you took them apart, you'll be fine on your own. Check out the tec. portion of the website and download the service manual.
Let us know if you need more help, these folks are wizards with these tractors.

Cubcrazy · #4 12-02-2012, 06:11 AM

Muzzy · #5 12-02-2012, 09:28 AM

If you have the steering box and column, they're easy to rebuild. I just did one for the first time on a 129 and it only took a few hours and around $20 in parts.

Sam Mac · #6 12-02-2012, 09:34 AM

Down load the manual

http://www.onlycubcadets.net/forum/s...ead.php?t=4641

It shows how to rebuild the steering box. Very basic job.

Zach17 · #7 12-02-2012, 07:19 PM

Zippy1,

I've been told by a very trusted friend that I would need a new column. Honestly, this tractor was a gift from a friend when I didn't have a tractor, and I needed it to mow my lawn. It isn't in excellent condition, and I have replaced it in the lawn mowing department with a cheap John Deere knockoff after I first had trouble with the steering (always buy from a Deere dealer, I should have listened!). I didn't use it for a few years, and i recently installed a pool. After the install left us with a huge pile of dirt that we shoveled away by hand for days, I began to consider getting a bucket loader on one, after seeing that getting a whole new machine would be very expensive, and it would be something I wouldn't use enough to put that kind of money into. Since it isn't in great condition, the general consensus of advice I've gotten would be to get a whole new column, to ensure that it fixes the problem, and also to ensure that the other, older, very much abused parts don't break in the near future. I think I might take your advice and take another look though. If only one part is broken, and the rest is in good condition, i may only replace that part. (the pin seems to be the main source of trouble, or so I've been told).

Thanks for the advice and help. Everybody here seems so helpful and welcoming, and I'm really glad I found this site.

Thanks,
zach17

Methos · #8 12-03-2012, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zach17

Zippy1,

I've been told by a very trusted friend that I would need a new column. Honestly, this tractor was a gift from a friend when I didn't have a tractor, and I needed it to mow my lawn. It isn't in excellent condition, and I have replaced it in the lawn mowing department with a cheap John Deere knockoff after I first had trouble with the steering (always buy from a Deere dealer, I should have listened!). I didn't use it for a few years, and i recently installed a pool. After the install left us with a huge pile of dirt that we shoveled away by hand for days, I began to consider getting a bucket loader on one, after seeing that getting a whole new machine would be very expensive, and it would be something I wouldn't use enough to put that kind of money into. Since it isn't in great condition, the general consensus of advice I've gotten would be to get a whole new column, to ensure that it fixes the problem, and also to ensure that the other, older, very much abused parts don't break in the near future. I think I might take your advice and take another look though. If only one part is broken, and the rest is in good condition, i may only replace that part. (the pin seems to be the main source of trouble, or so I've been told).

Thanks for the advice and help. Everybody here seems so helpful and welcoming, and I'm really glad I found this site.

Thanks,
zach17

Your going to have to pull the column to install the replacement so no harm in checking the old before you order the new.

ihcc104 · #9 12-03-2012, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Methos

Your going to have to pull the column to install the replacement so no harm in checking the old before you order the new.

Was going to say the same thing! Oh and Welcome to OCC!!

Zach17 · #10 02-23-2013, 07:50 PM

Hi All... Sorry I haven't replied in a long while. I have been busy with life and now I have found time to get back to my CC123 project.

A few updates since I was last here....

We removed the steering column and it is evident that it does need a rebuild. The inner shaft is pretty sloppy and this is what leads me to wanting to re-build it.

Also the ball-joint ends on the tie rod and the drag link are way past their life and i will replace them as well.

I've seen on the cubcadet.com site I can get the ball joints but not the steering rebuild kit and parts. I have also seen these parts on Ebay as well.

Where do you guys get your parts from? We had a Cub dealer close by here but he went out of business when Home Depot started selling Cubs.

Thanks for all of you advice so far... Please keep it coming!!!!

Thanks!
Zach