TC25D tilt steering shock replacement

CCTC25D · May 12, 2010

I have a 2001 TC25D Boomer that has the issue of the tilt steering not latching. I have purchased the recommended replacement shock, but find that getting the pin out of the lower shock mount is quite difficult because of metal plates on each side.

As I attempt to remove it, it seems I need to loosen the whole steering column assy off the top of the tractor casting, and in order to get at the two forward bolts on the column to do that, I would need to remove the fuel tank. This seems a bit extreme. Has anyone replaced this shock before and can offer some guidance?

Thanks.

jinman · May 12, 2010

As I remember, I placed a large socket over one side of the pin with a large hammer as a backup with someone holding it. I then tapped on the other end of the pin with a drift punch to drive it out. I actually bent those two metal plates a bit, but they were easy to bend back into place. That was on a TC45D, so your tractor may be some different and have clearance issues.

TopGun · May 12, 2010

I had the same problem last year. The design is terrible. I was able to remove the cross pin by using a "machinist" parallel clamp. I could barely get the tip of the clamp on one end of the pin and the other jaw of the clamp over the opposite plate (if I remember right) anyway, this was enought to move the pint a bit. I did not take the steering column out of the tractor. I was able to keep monkeying with it until I could remove the pin. When I replaced the cylinder before putting the pin back in, I spun it down some and greased it good (it is basically laying somewhat loose in the hole now. I then put some rubber pieces between the plates and the pin, so the pin would not work its way out. Not the best way, but next time, the pin will come out easily by just removing the rubber spacer and pushing on it. This was a NIGHTMARE job. The engineer that design it should rethink his career.

Brian

CCTC25D · May 15, 2010

Brian, Jinman, thanks for your feedback. I was successful in a slightly different way. At the base of the steering column there are 2 brackets on rubber mounts that attached the base of the steering system to the top of the tractor cast housing. I removed those 2 bolts and was able to pry those far enough up to get the pin all the way out.

I also was able to salvage the old shock by taking a pair of needlenose pliers and twisting the plunger pin about 30 degrees back and forth, the pin popped right back up. So I did not need to replace the shock.

I also filled the top with grease and put the "fix" cap on the NH dealer gave me. I agree its a poor design.

During this I now find that the telescope on the steering is not holding. Any ideas on that one??

Charlie

jinman · May 16, 2010

CCTC25D said:
I also was able to salvage the old shock by taking a pair of needlenose pliers and twisting the plunger pin about 30 degrees back and forth, the pin popped right back up. So I did not need to replace the shock.

I also filled the top with grease and put the "fix" cap on the NH dealer gave me. I agree its a poor design.

Charlie, that's exactly what I did to mine about 2-1/2 years before it finally failed completely. Just a heads up that you will likely see a need to replace the shock in the future. As I remember, the shock was only about $100, so it wasn't terribly expensive.

roadhawk · May 16, 2010

Not to take over the thread but since it's sort of on the same idea...I have the tc40d and my tilt...doesn't. Does that mean my shock is bad? I wanted to move it about a year ago but now I've gotten used to it where it's at, but have always been curious on how to fix it. Can I lube it or something instead of replacing?

jinman · May 16, 2010

roadhawk said:
Not to take over the thread but since it's sort of on the same idea...I have the tc40d and my tilt...doesn't. Does that mean my shock is bad? I wanted to move it about a year ago but now I've gotten used to it where it's at, but have always been curious on how to fix it. Can I lube it or something instead of replacing?

When mine finally failed, it flopped all over the place. If yours is locked in place, it's probably just the pin stuck in the top of the shock like Charlie found on his. Some PB Blaster soaking the pin and work with needle nose pliers might do it. You'll have to take off the cowling under the steering wheel and remove the lever mechanism to get at the pin.

TopGun · May 18, 2010

Hey gang. When mine went bad it would push the steering wheel all the way up and not lock anywhere else (better than having it flop down, but still annoying). My take on this would be. If you go to the trouble to take the cowling off and remove the shock, I would absolutely put a new shock back in and toss the old one. I hope I never have to remove another one of these things.

Thanks for the advice on removing the brackets on the bottom of the column. I never tried that.

mtrex · Jun 20, 2010

Mine would move every where right after it went out of warranty. After checking the design is poor at best. The weather and water would get in at the spring. After blowing out and oiling it keeps going to this day with a few drops of oil it is working and locking where needed.