john deere 301 steering gear box

[ziggy65]

I have a 301 John Deere industrial and it is loose in the steering gear box. I can move the wheel almost a 1/2 turn with engine not running before it starts to catch. Is there a gear box adjustment and where would I find it?

Thanks for any information anyone would have.

 

[Tx Jim]

:welcome:to TBN
Slack in steering can be a couple of locations. Remove rear most round inspection cover on clutch housing. Cover just snaps out of hole then be sure large bolt is tight,then turn steering wheel to determine if slack is between steering shaft(parts key 10) & arm(parts key 11) behind large washer. Next look at drag link(parts key 15) swivel ends to be sure they're not worn out. Next check center of frt axle to inspect bushings(parts key 8) on bellcrank(parts key 2)

 

[ziggy65]

Thanks Tx Jim, you were right on the money. The bolt by the gear box under the plug was finger tight and the bushing in the bellcrank must be worn. There is some movement there as well. I tightened the bolt and that made a big difference. The bellcrank will have to wait until spring.

Thanks again.

 

[Tx Jim]

You're welcome. I can't remember the #s of torque on that bolt but it needs to be very tight.