1940 John Deere Model A front wheels wobble.

[CCMnNC]

This is my first John Deere and I need some guidance on where to start on this wobble issue.

 

[HFP]

Bent wheels (or poorly mounted tires), worn out wheel bearings, or (probably most common) worn out sector gear in the pedestal.

 

[matthies]

I am betting on the sector gear, as I have one to do myself.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Several of the sector gears here need attention as well

 

[CCMnNC]

Several of the sector gears here need attention as well

How difficult is replacing the sector gear?

 

[Fixingfarmer]

Depends if it comes apart often the whole pedestal will be off the tractor and you will be going through it. I have pulled a sector right off easily to clean up pieces of a bearing on the steering shaft that came apart into the grease and I have had one stuck on so bad it took some persuasion. If the tractor has to be picked up off the ground you might as well go through the pedestal. If you remove the cover off clean the top and the sector comes right out try it and see what happens.

You might want to do those steering shaft bearings as well regardless of which direction you go

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

You can try adjusting the clearance on the sector gear. But if it's been loose for too long it gets worn in the mid-range and will bind at the extreme ends of travel.

 

[Mark-Ia]

Try adjusting the sector gear 1st before replacing it. There are youtube videos showing how to do that. Very easy.

 

[CCMnNC]

Depends if it comes apart often the whole pedestal will be off the tractor and you will be going through it. I have pulled a sector right off easily to clean up pieces of a bearing on the steering shaft that came apart into the grease and I have had one stuck on so bad it took some persuasion. If the tractor has to be picked up off the ground you might as well go through the pedestal. If you remove the cover off clean the top and the sector comes right out try it and see what happens.

You might want to do those steering shaft bearings as well regardless of which direction you go

Thanks for the information.

 

[CCMnNC]

Try adjusting the sector gear 1st before replacing it. There are youtube videos showing how to do that. Very easy.

Thank you I will look it up on YouTube

 

[CCMnNC]

You can try adjusting the clearance on the sector gear. But if it's been loose for too long it gets worn in the mid-range and will bind at the extreme ends of travel.

Thank you I will research how to adjust the sector gear.

 

[Rich'sToys]

You can try adjusting the clearance on the sector gear. But if it's been loose for too long it gets worn in the mid-range and will bind at the extreme ends of travel.

I've never done this, but years ago there was an article in Green Magazine by a guy who ground or filed the teeth on the ends of the gear to match the wear in the middle. Then supposedly he was able to adjust the gear so it didn't wobble or bind at the ends.

That may or may not be the way to go, but just throwing it out there. I suppose it saved him the cost of a new gear. Probably depends on how much you're going to use the tractor.

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I've never done this, but years ago there was an article in Green Magazine by a guy who ground or filed the teeth on the ends of the gear to match the wear in the middle. Then supposedly he was able to adjust the gear so it didn't wobble or bind at the ends.

That may or may not be the way to go, but just throwing it out there. I suppose it saved him the cost of a new gear. Probably depends on how much you're going to use the tractor.

I suppose that could be done but depend a lot on his skills with files or grinder. If done it may not have enough adjustment in the eccentric bushing.

 

[rocklouder]

So I have a 37 A, that I fired up for the first time in a few years and drove it around the yard. The right side front (passenger side) of the narrow front rolls and wobbles like it’s going to fall off all together. When I looked at it, I can see it’s not solidly attached like my other b’s . I didn’t do the original restoration work on them so I’m not sure how these go together. I’m taking over my father in laws army of Greene

 

[J.Wondergem]

So I have a 37 A, that I fired up for the first time in a few years and drove it around the yard. The right side front (passenger side) of the narrow front rolls and wobbles like it’s going to fall off all together. When I looked at it, I can see it’s not solidly attached like my other b’s . I didn’t do the original restoration work on them so I’m not sure how these go together. I’m taking over my father in laws army of Greene

Wheel nut loose or wheel bear out. take it off and look.

 

[rocklouder]

Wheel nut loose or wheel bear out. take it off and look.

Is the bearing a hard on to replace? Have to decide wich shop to move it to. Don’t want to tear into it and end up being a major project and it’s on the wrong side of the heated shop.

 

[a49deere]

So I have a 37 A, that I fired up for the first time in a few years and drove it around the yard. The right side front (passenger side) of the narrow front rolls and wobbles like it’s going to fall off all together. When I looked at it, I can see it’s not solidly attached like my other b’s . I didn’t do the original restoration work on them so I’m not sure how these go together. I’m taking over my father in laws army of Greene

If only one side wobbles I'm guessing bad bearings!

 

[a49deere]

Is the bearing a hard on to replace? Have to decide wich shop to move it to. Don’t want to tear into it and end up being a major project and it’s on the wrong side of the heated shop.

A "hard on"? NO, it's not that exciting!

 

[a49deere]

Is the bearing a hard on to replace? Have to decide wich shop to move it to. Don’t want to tear into it and end up being a major project and it’s on the wrong side of the heated shop.

No, an hour or so should be plenty of time to replace as long as you have the new bearings in hand!

 

[rocklouder]

No, an hour or so should be plenty of time to replace as long as you have the new bearings in hand!

I guess i should maybe say a wobble isnt really the right word for it, the right word to describe would be "looked like it was going to fall off" the whole wheel like folded over on itself while the other one kept the tractor upright. i guess i will just have to take it apart and see what i see or take a video at least. i need the battery out of it to fire up another one anyway so may as well move it. apperently a shortage of 6 volt batteries right now. everyone is gettign ready for the Rollag Steam Threshers Reunion and buying up all the batteries