MF 35 play in steering box

I’ve excessive play in the steering box. Free-play of about 4- 6 inches in the steering wheel without the pitman arms moving indicates the play is in the steering gears. The I&T Shop Service manual describes how to adjust the worm gear preload (by adding or removing shims) and sector backlash (via the adjustment screws) to achieve the desired 3-5 lbs. force to turn the steering wheel. But, there is no mention of what/how to adjust to remove free-play.
Question – can the free-play be adjusted out or are the gears or bearings worn out? If it can be adjusted, is the adjustment to the worm gear or sector shafts? There are no adjustment screws on the side of the box and everything is well greased. Thanks

I have a steering sector off a TO35 thats in good shape if youre interested...

Slade
615-542-6999

Is it power or manual?

It is manual 2tractors.

Hi Gary,
Do you have this type of steering box?
DavidP, South wales

There's at least 2 models of the manual, one resembles the ps sector with the false cyl. mount, and the other as in the pic.You will need to pull the wheel and remove the key and then the 4 bolts at base is where the thrust is, as you remove each bolt a little the tube feels as if it's spring loaded. If yours has no thrust then it's as John said, the balls are loose. But if it does feel springey then make sure there's enough of the spacers under the 4 bolts, mine had 4.

DavidP, yes that looks like it.

Perfect, Thanks 2tractors. I'll do that as soon as I get a chance. Gary

Hi Gary,
If you have this type of steering box it may not be a major job. When you turn the steering wheel in the play does it appear to screw up and down?
If so then the majority of the problem is likely to be in the top bearing and may well be adjustable. It will be necessary to remove the steering wheel. A suitable three-legged puller is ideal but it may be necessary to cut the wheel off with an angle grinder as sometimes even a heavy puller will not work.

Once you have the wheel off remove the chrome cover and you will see the top nut (81) retained by a tabwasher. Remove the tab and nut. A shallow spanner is necessary to hold the bottom nut and this can be made from a piece of 1/4" plate. Remove the lower nut and inspect for a wear track from the ball bearings. Remove the balls using a magnetic pointer if possible. Remove the bearing (76) and again inspect for wear. DO NOT AT ANY TIME SCREW THE STEERING COLUMN ANTICLOCKWISE. Component parts or a bearing kit are available. Fit the new kit and screw down the nut (79) Fit the tab and top nut.
Slowly take up the lower nut until the play disappears. Lightly nip up the top nut. Jack up the front of the tractor to take most of the weight off the wheels. Turn the steering back and forth. It should be free and without any drag but not loose. Tighten the upper nut. If it shows any drag you will have to loosen the lower nut slightly and check again when the top nut is tight.

Wear in the rocker shafts (52+17) will normally produce a wheel shimmy not steering play. Check your ball joints as well.

DavidP, South Wales

Hello, Yes when I turn the wheel I can see the shaft lift up and down a little. I'll pull the wheel soon and go from there. The front end is all gone thru with 4 new end-links. Thanks DavidP.