b7100 steering box advice needed

[KubotainNH]

I used a Nissan Maxima pump because of it's size. It used a ribbed belt. I removed the ribbed pulley on the lathe then welded a v pulley onto the hub.

Ah, I guess I could weld a pulley on but I don't have access to a lathe. Good thought though.

 

[rick sheltra]

Can the tie rod be persuaded by a hammer and anvil to straighten itself out.

I am going to definately try and re straiten the tie rod when I get it out thanks

 

[rick sheltra]

Well here I go with the steering box project. I would love power steering but I dont think I can do it so I will try and repair or replace the bad parts...

As I posted before I took the shaft out and it has serious nicks. Sleaving might still be an option but I did find a vendor with the shaft and the comp nut ball for $135.... I will still need to find the races and the seals but I think messiks has that.

Now I am moving on to the steering box itself...
I took out the 4 bolts and the box is basically just sitting on the frame. My reason for wanting to remove the box was so I could put it in the parts cleaner and get the metal shavings out and other stray bearings.
I can not get the pitman arm off to remove the box. Looks like it might be pressed on there with a press ??? anyway I then went to the next nut at the other end of pitman arm and it will not come off the drag link bolt..it hits the frame. so it appears to me it is bent or more like twisted when I look from above. OK so now I have to proceed to the next connection which is the other end of the drag link which is bolted to the LH arm knuckle on the front wheel axle. I Take the cotter pin off and loosen nut it comes off and I can not get the drag link to come out. I tapped it with a hammer then i started hitting harder and nothing would budge it....so now i decided I would remove the 4 nuts that hold the arm knuckle to the axle i guess.... and they come off easy, but the part wont seperate !!!! I am wondering why I cant get these connections to come apart. I know for sure some of the parts are bent and it looks like there wasnt any maintenance.....anyway I am so sorry to go on llike this but Im hoping someone might understand and offer some advice.... I was going to try and heat one of the connections and see if that works but I thought I would think about it and ask on here first....ANY input is welcome. I tried to attach a file that is the kubota breakdown of the parts I am reffering to. not sure if it worked or not.
thanks to anyone who may be able to help
Rick

 

[KubotainNH]

Can you post some pictures of where your issues are? You can buy a cheap pitman arm puller or maybe rent one from an auto parts store. As for anything held in by a tapered shaft like a ball joint, whack the female part on the side 90 degrees from the tapered part. Do not hit the threaded part of the shaft. A couple good whacks with a multi pound hammer does the trick.

 

[2458n]

Google Kubota steering rebuild. Some interesting things there. Tie rod can be reshaped using a press. The top of the steering column on my tractor caught water and allowed it to flow into the gear box. When winter came it froze and I forced the steering. That is how the bearings came out. Explore the internet and you will find a rebuild how to on line. When you reassemble put silicone on the nut and fill the area under the center of the steering wheel with sealant. No water in the gear box no problem.

 

[rick sheltra]

thanks for the info I will take pics tomorrow and post them. First I will try whacking with a larger hammer...maybe Im just not hitting hard enough.
Also thats what i needed to know there is a puller for the pitman arm. I will check the harbor frieght site and see if they have a cheap one. It looked like it was pressed on. thanks

 

[rick sheltra]

I bet that is when I ruined the shaft. It was real cold a few years ago and it broke during that time. The water in the oil was excessive so Im sure that did it.... I will check the google and you tube sites for the info thanks. Ill update as I go thanks again

 

[rick sheltra]

I just found a link you all have probably seen but it is really helping me understand. here is the link Diagnosing and Preventing Steering Box Failure | OrangeTractorTalks

I had no idea there was a WEEP hole at the bottom of the shaft. Too bad they never point it out in the manuals....good way to sell more steering boxes.
all ths great info will have me up and running soon...

 

[Egon]

Do a search on TBN for B7100 steering gear boxes. Lots of threads on them.

If'n your whacking with a hammer always use a back up hammer.

Pitman arm should come of with a puller. Mine did not need a puller.

Also note the adjustment screw on the box.

 

[rick sheltra]

I cant figure out how to post the pics on here. help!!!!! please