Kioti LK3054 wom gear nut/steering rod access

[nolan3387]

Sorry for the delay. I am a CPA at a public firm, and tax season doesn't muster much free time
I have an update in case anyone comes across the same problem at some point in the future. I ended up calling about 5-6 tractor junkyards around the country as well as work with a couple different dealers for parts, and nothing was possible except ordering an entire steering column. I was able to find a machine shop that specializes in fixing ball screws and nuts that are used for CNC/Manufacturing machines. They did a special project for me, and was able to make a tube/strap for my ball nut (pic below). I was able to get this loaded back up and everything put back together.

My question is, when I put the sector shaft in (before bolting the plate on) I was able to get about 4.5 spins on the steering wheel. I then bolted the sector shaft plate on, and now that its all on tight, I am only getting about 3 spins of the steering wheel. I have NOT hooked the pitman arm on yet to watch how much the wheels move. How many spins are you guys getting on yours? I feel like the 4-4.5 was the normal amount. Any ideas how I can adjust to get that?
Before loading the sector shaft, I made sure the steering wheel was spun to the middle (so 4.5 turns total i spun 2.25) then loaded in the sector shaft in the middle. Before I bolted it on I was still getting the 4-4.5 turns, but once it bolted tight, it went down to 3. I know there is the screw on the end to adjust, but I have it screwed up all the way so its sticking out as far as it can. It seemed to be the only way I could get the plate on flush. Do I need to use the screw to adjust AFTER its all been bolted on? Definitely lost some spin once the plate was bolted on.
Thanks!

 

[pmsmechanic]

I'm wondering if the reason why your shaft isn't turning the 4-4.5 turns the the reason the tube broke off. I think you need to figure this out before going any further. It's hard to tell without holding the piece in my hands but I feel like there is something binding somewhere.

 

[nolan3387]

Interesting. never thought if it like that. It is strange because when the sector shaft is in but not bolted down, the wheel will spin 4ish times around no problem and everything goes as it should, but once I put the plate on and tighten it, it binds up a bit.
Also to note, that when I originally disassembled everything, the original tube and strap was completely mangled. It was so bad it was beyond repair which is why a whole new one was made. I am wondering if the nut spun around in there and the sector shaft teeth got a hold of the tubing while it was still moving up and down and shredded it. The machine shop said something just sheared everything right off then crunched it up.
Actually what happened was my sector shaft broke, then when I pulled it I noticed the ball bearings in the housing. Everything seemed to be working good until that point as far as the wheel spinning.

 

[pmsmechanic]

Maybe all the plate needs is a gasket under it.

 

[K5lwq]

Sorry for the delay. I am a CPA at a public firm, and tax season doesn't muster much free time
I have an update in case anyone comes across the same problem at some point in the future. I ended up calling about 5-6 tractor junkyards around the country as well as work with a couple different dealers for parts, and nothing was possible except ordering an entire steering column. I was able to find a machine shop that specializes in fixing ball screws and nuts that are used for CNC/Manufacturing machines. They did a special project for me, and was able to make a tube/strap for my ball nut (pic below). I was able to get this loaded back up and everything put back together.

My question is, when I put the sector shaft in (before bolting the plate on) I was able to get about 4.5 spins on the steering wheel. I then bolted the sector shaft plate on, and now that its all on tight, I am only getting about 3 spins of the steering wheel. I have NOT hooked the pitman arm on yet to watch how much the wheels move. How many spins are you guys getting on yours? I feel like the 4-4.5 was the normal amount. Any ideas how I can adjust to get that?
Before loading the sector shaft, I made sure the steering wheel was spun to the middle (so 4.5 turns total i spun 2.25) then loaded in the sector shaft in the middle. Before I bolted it on I was still getting the 4-4.5 turns, but once it bolted tight, it went down to 3. I know there is the screw on the end to adjust, but I have it screwed up all the way so its sticking out as far as it can. It seemed to be the only way I could get the plate on flush. Do I need to use the screw to adjust AFTER its all been bolted on? Definitely lost some spin once the plate was bolted on.
Thanks!

View attachment 645923

Good job finding a solution to the part!

It does concern me that you no longer have the same range of movement. Something must be binding.

To install the sector the adjustment screw needs to be out through the cover as far as possible. I always install the cover on the sector shaft before installing into the steering box. Then find center on the with the steering wheel, the 2.25 turns. Then slip the sector shaft and cover in place and tighten the cover bolts.

Then screw the adjustment screw in until I feel some resistance. At this point I start moving the steering wheel while watching the sector shaft for movement. This is just short back and forth movement of the steering wheel. Not actually turning the wheel. If sector is not moving then screw in on the adjustment and test again. Once the sector moves with steering movement, I unscrew till I get about 1/4" play between steering wheel movement and sector movement. Then tighten the jam nut while holding screw so it can't move.

Now you can check the range for the 4.5 turns.

It could be that with the screw as far out as you say that the gears are binding on each other limiting you range.

Once you determine range is good, find center again. Make sure wheels are straight and reinstall the pitman arm.

That should get you going I hope!

 

[nolan3387]

Thank you very much!!!!

I was thinking that I am just to the point where I have to tinker with adjustments to get it to work. Like I said, if I install the sector shaft without bolting the plate down, I am getting 4.5 turns and the sector is spinning as it should. Once I bolt it down, it gets tight and is only turning 3 times. I think everything is working good until things get tightened up. When I did install the sector shaft, I do have the screw sticking all the way out. I might just have to take it off and keep adjusting it until I can get it to go.

 

[nolan3387]

I was able to work on it a little last night. Turns out I must not have had the sector shaft teeth lined up in the "middle" of the ball nut. I pulled the shaft and then the steering wheel went back to 4.5 turns. I turned the wheel to the middle (2.25 turns) slid the shaft in on the middle of the ball nut teeth, then tightened her up and I am now getting the 4.5 turns!
Tonight or tomorrow I will put the pitman arm on and inch my way closer to having this project complete.

 

[K5lwq]

I was able to work on it a little last night. Turns out I must not have had the sector shaft teeth lined up in the "middle" of the ball nut. I pulled the shaft and then the steering wheel went back to 4.5 turns. I turned the wheel to the middle (2.25 turns) slid the shaft in on the middle of the ball nut teeth, then tightened her up and I am now getting the 4.5 turns!
Tonight or tomorrow I will put the pitman arm on and inch my way closer to having this project complete.

Good Job!! It should be smooth sailing from here!

 

[Peter 315]

Good Job!! It should be smooth sailing from here!

You mean smooth steering.. :laughing:

 

[nolan3387]

Good Job!! It should be smooth sailing from here!

Thank you for all of your help! I'm not quite there yet, but its been a **** of a journey