Cub 124 steering question

I found that my steering went this fall. I managed to get the steering wheel off and the steering shaft out of the tractor. What went was nothing really. The follower had come loose and the jam nut as well. Since I couldn't get a wrench on it I took it out to readjust and to tighten the jam nut. Looked to rebuild it at the same time so off to google for the parts. WOW the kit is worth almost what I paid for the tractor. My question's are do I truly need to rebuild it? Should I rebuild it? If so is there parts available that don't break the bank available? I'm quite sure that there are others out there that have been in my shoes so what did you do?

When I did tighten up the follower it did take near all of the slop out so maybe this was going on for some time. The tractor is inside most of the time till mowing and other duties take it out. Doubt this has gotten much rain on it as I know the prior owner and he was very particular of his equipment. So I don't think there is rain down the tube at all. It seems to work rather easy and that is why I may not bother rebuilding it.

If you bought a 1969 Lincoln or Cadillac, would you expect the replacement parts to be inexpensive or in keeping with a high-end automobile? No manufacturer is obligated to keep on making parts for anything that is 46 years old, like your Cub is. You should be thrilled that parts are even available for your Cub. The 124 was a premium quality GT in 1967 to 1969 and I think that the fact that your 124 is still in working order after all these years, proves that the quality was there.

You are the only one that can examine those parts to see if they are badly worn or not. Most people in your shoes would just do whatever it takes to repair the tractor OR..they would put it up for sale and state that the tractor's steering box needs rebuilding.

Try the link below and see if they have what you need.
parts

Go to ebay and search for "Cub Cadet steering upgrade". Ross has an upgrade including bearings and instructions on how to adjust the steering for $17.75. (free shipping)

I have used this kit on models 72, 108 and 124.

Be sure to check the tie rod ends. If they are worn, you need to exchange them.

jb9959

Its entirely up to you how much you put into the box. I will say that turning smooth on the bench does not necessarily translate into a smooth driving tractor. Unless the tractor has a lot of usage with no care the most expensive repair parts, the worm shaft and the plate where the drag link attaches are usually serviceable. If there is much wear in the worm you cannot remove the slop, if the plate is worn out same deal. Parts that almost always need to be replaced while it is out, (unless you enjoy taking the column out every year?) are the worm shaft bearings and cups(9,10, 16 in the diagram Tom supplied) the bushing at the top end of the column (2), the pin (4). I highly recommend what is commonly called the power steering up grade. It is a thrust bearing that goes under the nut that adjusts part #3. I also recommend that you replace all 4 of the joints. Grease the box a few pumps every other time you mow the lawn and a drop of oil on each joint and you will never have to mess with it again. Most every part is available cheaper on Ebay or the many Cub Cadet non official Cub parts dealers than from Case IH or from Cub Cadet.

There is a steering repair kit on EBAY right now with the cam follower and the loose bearings for $12.50, I installed that and the thrust bearing on mine....

Just got done tightening up the Ross gear box. Turn the bottom "dial" after pulling out the cotter key. Kind of like a bicycle hub tighten. Also as you did , rotate the follower quarter turn to put on new surfaces. Yes there is an up grade where you replace the two jam nuts with a thrust bearing and a nylon insert jam nut. Nut has to be this thin in order to get it on. 5/8 NF thread. This is suppose to make it steer easier. I'm not sure if it does, but didn't cost much to do it. Bearing was 5.95$ and jam nut was 98cents.
Bearing is a NICE NO. 605 5/8 bore 1 1/8 od Motion industries has the bearing.
Fastenall has the nut. A jam nut is thinner that a regular nylock nut.

Update, did correct the steering. After I got into this I found that I had a cracked race on the bottom. Likely from hitting on the steering wheel. Also the pin or follower was differently not any good either. It was completely gone. So the two races, the follower and to tie rod ends to repair it. It's back in with good grease in the housing and works like brand new. No issues of a slop in the steering so I think I chalk this up a success. Thanks guys for the help.