Steering box 861

Quietwater · Mar 14, 2013

The steering box on my Ford 861 does not have the plug in the bottom of it like most. I managed to get all the parts out of the steering tube but the bearing race in the bottom of the steering box has be stumped. Do any of you have any ideas on how to get the race out of there since there is no hole in the bottom to push it out?

souNdguy · Mar 14, 2013

if it is seated so far down inthe recess that you cannot get tools / jaw grabber under it, and it is bad enough to replace.. then CAREFULLY weld a bead on it's face using low amp and low penetration.. like 6013 rod.. etc.

don't get into the parent metal. and a lil is better than alot.

let it cool, and then take the box and rap it upside down on some wood.. race will probably fall out. if this fails.. and it shouldnt.. then you may be recuced to taking a die grinder and a metal bur.. cone shaped preferably, and cutting about 95% thru the race then pry it ot. if you venture into the parent metal a tad.. no biggie.. there will be another race in it's palce soon.

Ultradog MN · Mar 14, 2013

Replacing that race is nice but usually not neccessary as it is rarely worn out.
But, usually what folks do is bring it to any competent welder who can weld a bead around the inside of the race. Let it cool.
Then turn it upside down and thump the housing on a board on the floor or bench.
It will fall right out.

Quietwater · Mar 14, 2013

Thanks, guys, for the prompt replies. I hadn't thought of welding it to get it hot. I've given the box to my welding friend along with a copy of your replies and told him to take it home and have at it. I'll let you know tomorrow how it came out. I certainly appreciate the help.

souNdguy · Mar 14, 2013

it's not the heat.. it's what comes after the heat.. the cooling.. and the drawing of the metal.

you are actually SHRINKING the OD of that race...

Quietwater · Mar 16, 2013

Well, I finally got the race out! My "competent" welder friend managed to weld part of the rim of the race to the housing. In his defense, he can't see very well and getting a welding head down in the hole of the housing wasn't easy. Anyway, with the help of my Dremel tool with a cut off wheel and a cone shaped grinding stone I got the weld out. Then I used an "L" shaped pick I got at Harbor Freight and hooked it under the race. I grabbed the middle of the pick with a long pair of pliers and using the top of the housing as a fulcrum, pried the race out. To my amazement, it came right out. It isn't pretty inside, but it will work. Thanks to all for your help. Tomorrow the tractor should be back in business.

Steering box 861

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souNdguy

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Ultradog MN

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