Rethread front spindle? IH 986

[Tree-Farmer]

I finally got the nut off, but I think my threads are damaged. It's a IH 986, front axle, wheel was wobbling, I wanted to tighten it, but it had a set screw in it.

How do you think I should fix this?

I have a replacement nut from IH, but it doesn't go on very well, since the threads are bad. Do you think I should put a large wrench on this and just tighten the new nut? Will it tighten and sort-of fix the threads? I have a large pipe wrench, so I think I can tighten it.

Or, Do you think I should buy a very large die and cut new threads in the bolt/top of spindle? I would probably get a shop to do this, since I want it to be straight.

Also, what size is this "bolt," if I could find a die to cut it?

Wait, is a replacement spindle only $100? I assume this is used. Maybe this is a better choice. Thoughts?

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty fits International 756 766 856 1066 371343R91 71785C92 fits Case IH fits Allis Chalmers BR1126587

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty for International Combine(s) 815, 915, 1420, 1440, 1460, Tractor(s) Hydro 70, Hydro 86. Replaces AGCO OEM Number(s) BR1056409M1, BR248324-6, BRCXS72, BR204084M1, BR71112395-0, BREXS29, BR70503304, BRCO11322.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

What do you recommend?

 

[maverickwhites]

Recut the threads with the correct size die for a precise repair; a shop can ensure it's straight. The bolt size is likely 2"-12 UN, but verify with a manual.

 

[bradley martin]

I finally got the nut off, but I think my threads are damaged. It's a IH 986, front axle, wheel was wobbling, I wanted to tighten it, but it had a set screw in it.

How do you think I should fix this?

I have a replacement nut from IH, but it doesn't go on very well, since the threads are bad. Do you think I should put a large wrench on this and just tighten the new nut? Will it tighten and sort-of fix the threads? I have a large pipe wrench, so I think I can tighten it.

Or, Do you think I should buy a very large die and cut new threads in the bolt/top of spindle? I would probably get a shop to do this, since I want it to be straight.

Also, what size is this "bolt," if I could find a die to cut it?

Wait, is a replacement spindle only $100? I assume this is used. Maybe this is a better choice. Thoughts?

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty fits International 756 766 856 1066 371343R91 71785C92 fits Case IH fits Allis Chalmers BR1126587

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty for International Combine(s) 815, 915, 1420, 1440, 1460, Tractor(s) Hydro 70, Hydro 86. Replaces AGCO OEM Number(s) BR1056409M1, BR248324-6, BRCXS72, BR204084M1, BR71112395-0, BREXS29, BR70503304, BRCO11322.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

What do you recommend?

Buy the replacement and drive on. Don't over think this. Easy decision.

 

[caterpillar guy]

Threads are worn . I would doubt the threads are shot just worn a die would help possibly. Might be able with those washers removed and threads cleaned up tighten the nut below the worn portion of the threads and have it tighten up good. The set screws are in there because the spindlew or steering arm are worn out to the point of slipping if splined and keyway is loose so the wheel and spindle wobble at the key. Could also try a knife file on the threads if only at the beginning so it fits. I have done that on big shafts and disk shafts to get nuts to fit where I didn't have a die for them. Just tightening that nut will not stop your wheel from wobbling though it is deeper than that in the spline on the arm and spindle or the keyway in one piece is worn.

 

[rustred]

I finally got the nut off, but I think my threads are damaged. It's a IH 986, front axle, wheel was wobbling, I wanted to tighten it, but it had a set screw in it.

How do you think I should fix this?

I have a replacement nut from IH, but it doesn't go on very well, since the threads are bad. Do you think I should put a large wrench on this and just tighten the new nut? Will it tighten and sort-of fix the threads? I have a large pipe wrench, so I think I can tighten it.

Or, Do you think I should buy a very large die and cut new threads in the bolt/top of spindle? I would probably get a shop to do this, since I want it to be straight.

Also, what size is this "bolt," if I could find a die to cut it?

Wait, is a replacement spindle only $100? I assume this is used. Maybe this is a better choice. Thoughts?

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty fits International 756 766 856 1066 371343R91 71785C92 fits Case IH fits Allis Chalmers BR1126587

Spindle - Right Hand/Left Hand - Heavy Duty for International Combine(s) 815, 915, 1420, 1440, 1460, Tractor(s) Hydro 70, Hydro 86. Replaces AGCO OEM Number(s) BR1056409M1, BR248324-6, BRCXS72, BR204084M1, BR71112395-0, BREXS29, BR70503304, BRCO11322.

www.tractorpartsasap.com

What do you recommend?

I would take it to a machine shop and pay them 1/2 hr labour to run a die over them damaged threads. Buying that die might be 200.00,?for a good one. Just tightening the nut on them threads will gall the nut threads up. Either way they need to be fixed up.

 

[Jim.ME]

You will have more than that in a die or a shop fixing your old one. There is material missing from the threads, so it is going to be loose when re-threaded. Buy the new spindle with a new nut. You may want to look thrust bearing(s), seals and washers on the spindle.

 

[4wdtom]

There is likely a center in the end of the spindle, (top) and a matching one in the other end, (bottom) where it was held in a lathe to turn at the factory. If you remove it and find someone with a lathe they could probably "catch" that thread and re cut (repair) it to fit the new nut.

 

[DaveBN]

It's hard to tell from your picture. Clean it up real good and post another picture. If you know how to use a thread file and can find one with the correct pitch I would try that first. I have refreshed some pretty bad threads with a thread file.
As stated above, you most likely have more problems than just the spindle.
Dave

 

[Brownie450]

Shop up in town was known to tighten the nut down
& then weld everything tight----nut, arm, & spindle.
Figured the next time it would be new all the way
around. Not what I would do.
Jim

 

[Mark-Ia]

Thread file available at most auto parts stores.

 

[Cash4Toys]

Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but that nut, whether it is not loose by a little or tight, is not gonna help your wheel wobble issue. That not is for up and down play, not for side to side. If the steering arm splines are worn as well as the spindle splines your gonna need to replace both. When you drop the spindle, look at the vertical shaft for wear and check the bushings in spindle housing. A & I offers an undersize steering arm, which i assume they mean the splines, which if thats the case you may not need the spindle, you could ask. On another note, I have been around a lot IH 86 series tractors and never , that I can remember, have I seen a steering arm with set screws like that. That had to be somebody's fix to get rid of play, or maybe an aftermarket arm for a quick fix. Either way, that's no fix for splines.

 

[Fritz Maurer]

There is likely a center in the end of the spindle, (top) and a matching one in the other end, (bottom) where it was held in a lathe to turn at the factory. If you remove it and find someone with a lathe they could probably "catch" that thread and re cut (repair) it to fit the new nut.

No “probably” about it. Best solution, assuming the rest of the spindle isn’t scrap.

 

[DoubleO7]

I wanted to tighten it, but it had a set screw in it.

Does that mean the nut had a set screw in it that you did not notice when you used a big wrench and brute force to turn it off anyways?
With set screw still engaged.?

If yes, replace the spindle.
The source you linked to is the parent company of this forum.
And for that one $14.99 shipping charge you can add an unlimited amount of other stuff to your order and not pay any more shipping then that initial $14.99
As long as nothing is an "oversized" item requiring extra shipping charges.
Spend $250 and then shipping is free.

 

[DoubleO7]

There is likely a center in the end of the spindle, (top) and a matching one in the other end, (bottom) where it was held in a lathe to turn at the factory. If you remove it and find someone with a lathe they could probably "catch" that thread and re cut (repair) it to fit the new nut.

Or they will weld it up and start over with new threads.

 

[Tree-Farmer]

Thank you for all your good answers. Especially to Mr Cash, I realized that I should think more about my original problem.
So: What would cause a front wheel to wobble? Which parts are probably bad and how should I check?
I should jack it up, try to move the wheel and see what is loose. Right?
I looked up some parts and I see where the splines are that might be bad, either in the Steering Arm or the spindle.
I'm also wondering about my tie rod end. I need to check if there is any play in the end.
Any thoughts on what is likely bad/worn or how to check it?

 

[Cash4Toys]

If it runs, just have someone else just move the steering wheel back and forth and watch where the slop is. The steering arm off the sector can also have slop at the splines or the holes where the tie rods attach sometimes wear, tie rod ends wear out yes, then the outer steering arm can be loose on the splines. On the vertical side of things, there are two bushing in the outer tube, to check them if you jack the front end you should be able to check the play. The one with the bad nut and set screws, you may want to replace. If it loose on the splines, I'm pretty sure the set screws chewed up the splines so a new one may not fit, or just be loose in the end. You'll see that when you pull the arm off. Generally, the vertical spindle doesn't cause wobble like you other linkage. See what A & I says about their undersized arms are all about, and they'll have the tie rods and center arm as well if required. CaseIH dealers can get them, at least here they do if you can't order direct.