Steering box repair

Got a 1951 super A and the steering box or bolster is leaking at the main rod seal and there is a fair amount of travel of the rod before it engages. Ive read its major tear down to take it all off to install a rebuild kit. So does the entire front end have to come off? Will the kit usually fix it well?

I understand the job can be done with the bolster on the tractor, but then it's an upside down job on parts that may not have been touched since the tractor was built. I'm not limber enough for that kind of work anymore! To make a bench job out of it, the radiator must come off. Remove the big plug-like cap from the front of the bolster, exposing the steering wheel shaft bearing. Turn the steering wheel shaft and the entire thing will slide out the front of the bolster. I'd remove the axel to lighten things up. Look for worn bushings, bearings, worn keyways and wear on the worm gear. All these parts and gaskets are available from YT, other aftermarket suppliers and Case/IH. The Case/IH bushings do not have to be reamed to fit. They cost more than the aftermarket bushings, but if reaming is necessary, the lower cost of the aftermarket ones goes out the window. The steering wheel shaft/worm is available from Augusta Farm Supply - 606 756 3905. Ask for Greg. He has two NOS. Not cheap but if you need one, he's got them. The steering shaft/Pittman arm is a press fit. Heat will get it off. I don't have a torch so I made a puller to fit around it. It worked, but it was a lot of work to make. Borrow a torch if you need to.

You can take it apart on the tractor but I remove the whole assy as its easier to take apart and repair worn parts. You wont know what you need until you have it apart no such kit but you can order lots of new parts but why when you don't even know what needs replacing.

the odds are that you will have a bearing that is worn out. it is the upper one, more than likely. figure about 2 days to remove, repair and replace. sure helps, if you have someone who has been through this before.

have plenty of lifting power, chain hoists, and such. put some penetrating oil on nut that holds steering wheel onto shaft, because this is usually hard to get off.

it will probably pay you to have some one that has done this before.

Thanks! Yeah talked to a local tractor repair man and he said same thing. Remove entire front end and maybe top too. I think i will pay him to help me. He has a better shop too. He said Key way wears out too. May get basic kit and see if it works first. Basically an all day job, but fun though!