hoghunter69
New User
I have an 851 that developed a steering problem. This is a '59 model with manual steering that is not kept under cover. The tractor is 130 miles away on my farm where there is no cell or internet coverage so I have to look for information when I get back to town. Last fall while bush-hogging for deer season I noticed the steering had developed a lot of play. During hunting season I rarely have time to drive the tractor but do crank and run for 30 minutes every other week. About a month ago I was cutting a field and noticed the play had become worse and then suddenly was taking everything I had to turn the the wheel. While I had renewed all the fluids in the fall, I did not do the steering console. Limping back to the cabin the steering froze. No right turn and a little left. When turning the steering wheel, the steering shaft unthreads and backs out about 3/4 inch. I have the I&T manual but do not see how to pull the steering wheel. The nut is off but seems to be keyed. I pushed a long thin screwdriver down the keyhole and turned the steering wheel but felt no key. Before using a steering wheel puller, is there something I missed.
2nd question - with the steering shaft backing out while turning the wheel, what kind of damage should I expect?
2nd question - with the steering shaft backing out while turning the wheel, what kind of damage should I expect?