M steering repair

[Tom R S]

The pin that engages into the worm gear on my 51 M is worn and loose. So I'm trying to get the verticle shaft out of the steering arm that holds the tie rod ends so I can pull it up and replace the pin.
Have the nut loose but the arm won't budge so far by prying.
The IT manual says nothing about dropping the front axle and I don't want to get into that if I can avoid it.
Any suggestions?
 

[Hotflashjr]

Sounds like you are on the right track, just stuck on there. If it hasn't been taken apart ever you have 60+ years of rust, dirt and gunk holding it on. Spray with PB blaster or the like and let it sit a few days. You can also try some heat on the steering arm itself. There should not be a pin in there or anything like that unless someone has "fixed" it before. Just keep working it slowly and it will come apart.
 

[Karl in MD]

It may be easier to turn the worm and steering shaft out to get clearance to change the pin. I think that's how dad did ours, but it was many years ago.
 

[M-MAN]

Loosen the nut a few rounds. Use an aluminum or brass bar and a three pound hammer, get under there and hit it up a couple times to knock it loose. If that shaft wiggles at all on the bottom you need a new bushing and seal. Easy to change but you have to drop the axle to do it.