Farmall BN steering casting housing repair

If the bolster (common name of the casting) is broken, it is likely to need to be replaced. Fixing one well enough to trust with the safety of the driver,
requires deep grooving and preheating of the components, as well as professional welding and stress relief. A used part is cheaper and far easier. Were it a
really rare tractor, welding would be fine. It is common enough. Any B or BN will work.
The bolster is fastened to the front of the engine block. So holding the engine up at the rear of the engine using wooden blocking, not a jack, allows the
removal of the bolster. Take off the steering Ujoint. The bolster is way heavy. Taking off the lower bolster and wheels will help. Remove the sheet metal and
radiator. Use a cherry picker engine hoist to support the bolster as it is loosened. Wach for pinch points to keep your fingers safe. Jim
 
If you get somebody that knows how to weld it will hold up. My B has a broken bolster that was welded 40 years ago and is still be used and has a loader on it.
 
(quoted from post at 16:48:09 10/11/16) How do I disassemble casting that holds the front wheels on? Casting is broken and needs repair or new part.

Basically, you start removing things until you get down to the casting, then remove it from the tractor.

I'd start by removing the muffler, air cleaner cap, hood, and grille. Then drain and remove the radiator. Disconnect the steering universal from the steering box. Now you need to jack up the front of the tractor so the front wheels are just barely off the ground, and support it. Lots of 6x6 or 4x4 wood blocking is necessary. I would support it under the bell housing, as the oil pan would dent easily. The weight of the rear of the tractor is enough to balance the engine.

Now remove the four bolts holding the narrow front to the steering box and move it out of the way. You should be down to the bare bolster at this point. Support it with more cribbing, or a shop crane, or a transmission jack, or a lift table, and remove the bolts holding the bolster to the engine.

That is how I would approach it. My instructions are probably not 100% accurate and you might need to adapt and overcome if you run into something unexpected. It really helps if you can study something and see how it goes together.
 
Thanks for the information. I have the bolster off and wonder if anyone has any ideas where I could find a good used one. I am in Ontario, but would not mind driving to get a part if anyone knows of a good one. Thanks again.
 

We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.

Back
Top