John Deere M Telescoping Steering

[ndgregor]

I have a John Deere M, but no operators manual. I have read online that these tractors came from the factory with an adjustable, telescoping steering wheel. Would someone please explain to me the procedure to telescope the steering wheel? I assume it has something to do with the star shaped near the wheel, but mine seems pretty locked up. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Nick

 

[blackdog2086]

On mine, the steering wheel center hub twists counter-clockwise like unscrewing a bolt. Put the wheel where you want it and re-tighten. Mine was extremely tight the first time I used it also.

OMSU30108

 

[ndgregor]

How did you break it loose for the first time? In the attached picture, is the star shaped section what you rotated?

 

[Areeves08]

It looks like you two of thinking of radically different tractors... Year and Model might be helpful.

 

[blackdog2086]

Yeah, I'm talking a 2013 M series. Sorry for the mix up.

 

[grnspot110]

Most of the ones I've seen, including the MT we had in the 1960's had the big nut in front of the wheel like the one pictured. They are usually worn too much to hold & I have seen them welded in place!

Fortunately, my 40S has a solid shaft & movable seat instead of telescoping steering shaft!

 

[DJ54]

On my MT I had years ago, you rotate that star several times, or less, which releases a ball bearing that locks into the grooves, to hold it in place. Mine also was locked up. It took more than several applications of penetrant to get it loosened, and rust flushed out. Then keep rocking the star back and forth until it loosens up.

If you're not too concerned with the paint, a 50/50 mix of Acetone & ATF would work great. The Acetone will take the paint off. Otherwise, some PB Blaster, or Kroil would be my second choices.

If memory serves me right, I may have bumped it back & forth with a medium sized rubber mallet to help things along. Once it's broken loose, a shot of oil occasionally will keep it free.

Just make sure that when you have it set to the position you want, make sure the detent is fully engaged, and/or the star is tightened, not riding on top of one of the notches. If not, it will pull out some, or push in with little effort.