B6100 Loose steering

[wjoerob]

Recently got a B6100DT, and the steering has a lot of "play" in it. Everything is working OK as far as I can tell. One guy told me that the bearings needed to be replaced. Another guy told me that every small Kubota has this same condition, nothing to worry about.
How can I tell if this is a real problem? Also, does anybody know if this is a very complicated or expensive fix, to replace the bearings?
Thanks for your help.
Joe in Indiana

 

[Egon]

If the 6100 is the same as the B7100 there is an adjustment to tighten the steering box.

On the right side of the box there should be cap that hides a nut with a screw in it. Back of the nut and tighten the screw. This should take some of the play out of the steering box.

If you send me your email I can send you some manual files.

 

[wanna_be_farmer]

My steering assembly was replaced before I bought my 6100. And it was still loose as a goose. Adjusted that at the bottom and made all the differance in the world! I don't have the service manual and just turned it lightly in till it "felt' right.

Rory

 

[charlz]

Does it 'stick' or 'pop' at all? if so the thrust bearings in the steering box may be shot. Had this problem with my b7100. Change the fluid and take a look at it. Unfortunately for me the junk from the bad bearings nicked the steering shaft worm gear and even after changing the thrust bearings it eventually self destructed. I had to replace the whole shaft and steering block (comes as a unit) for $150+ in parts. I think the bearings were about $6 each... might want to tear into it anyway and see if they need replaced.... fairly easy to do and could save you some $$$ in the long run. Not too mention I had a **** of a time getting the new steering shaft. Supposedly a mix up with Kubota changing to new part numbers but I am not so sure they are not phasing out b7100 parts.

 

[Soundguy]

As others mentioned.. some play can be removed with the sector adjustment stud.

If the steering wheel rises and falls when steering lock to lock, then a thrust bearing is gone...

Soundguy

 

[Tig]

When I checked out the loose steering on my B7100 I found that it also had no oil. So I adjusted the free play and topped off the oil. Now it leaks. So I bought two seals and a gasket. Thay are still sitting on my desk.

 

[robbieo11]

FYI
mine had a hard sot and gear inside was broke about 300 to repair or 700 for new gearbox thatsy i converted it to power steering

if real loose check adjustment on it good luck

 

[wjoerob]

Thanks for the input, guys. Now I've got some ideas of what to look at.

You know, this is the kind of support that I wish I could have had about 20-25 years ago as a young man trying to keep cheap used cars running. This is SO COOL, drawing on all the experience from all over. Please, don't take it for granted that your replies and comments aren't useful.

Joe in Indiana

 

[robbieo11]

Dude
that is one of the best things about the net
find people goin through the same things
like me i help people withcredit problems and debt collectors
i amover at
CreditWrench - Powered by vBulletin
alot

 

[myyaz33]

Just like many others, I lost my steering on my B6100 today moving some snow. Thanks to this thread I knew what to look for.

Looks like both the thrust bearings are shot and I have some damage to the worm gear. I wanted to post a picture of the worm gear to get some opinions on whether it needs replaced or could be repaired?

Pictures 1 & 2- Steering shaft showing the damaged worm gear. Any chance it will be salvagable?

Picture 3- Bottom of steering post. I see a damaged oil seal (maybe part #09500-16287). Is that a sleave on top of it that comes out?

Oh yeah, my steering box was pretty darn dry as well. Thanks again to all.

 

[charlz]

Just like many others, I lost my steering on my B6100 today moving some snow. Thanks to this thread I knew what to look for.

Looks like both the thrust bearings are shot and I have some damage to the worm gear. I wanted to post a picture of the worm gear to get some opinions on whether it needs replaced or could be repaired?

Pictures 1 & 2- Steering shaft showing the damaged worm gear. Any chance it will be salvagable?

I would say no based on my experience... mine only had a small nick to start. How do the bearing races look? Mine were slightly damaged at the ends where they insert into the block. It didn't take long for everything to get much worse. I think the bearing races let a bearing by and the worm gear really got trashed. I got a new shaft, block and bearings etc. as one unit from the dealer. I did see somewhere on the internet where you could buy just the bearings and races but I can't find it now.

Picture 3- Bottom of steering post. I see a damaged oil seal (maybe part #09500-16287). Is that a sleave on top of it that comes out?

If I remember right, the piece the bearing presses against is pressed in. I think I used my slide hammer with a hook or L in the end and it popped right out.

Might be a good time to convert to Power Steering I kept my old shaft in case I decide to make something like this:

KUBOTA B7300 TRACTOR POWER STEERING CONVERSION KIT - (eBay item 300135871424 end time Dec-25-07 08:42:12 PST)



Charles

 

[Egon]

I'd guess on repacement of the worm drive shaft.

Check with the dealer service manager.

 

[myyaz33]

Charlz- The races look pretty good. Not sure if all, but most bearings were still in the race when I pulled it apart. Anyone have an idea of how many bearings are in there to start?

I thinking I may just order 2 sets of thrust bearings and use the first set to put it back using the original shaft to see how long it goes. I think I will also then go ahead and buy a new assembly now as I really don't know how long these parts will be available.

Nearly all places I have looked online the price for the assembly is $235.00 nowadays. Fortunately, I did find a place that has them for $135.00. The steep prices really did get me thinking of power steering, but not sure I want to spend 1k for it and I am not sure I have the needed skills to make it work.

Thanks for the tip on the slide hammer. Just another tool I will have to head into town for. Oh well probably time to start my Christmas shopping.

Thanks

 

[myyaz33]

I have been thinking about this all day. Going to go ahead and getting a new assembly and when it goes, I will do the power steering. Thanks all.

 

[chrisinnh]

Nearly all places I have looked online the price for the assembly is $235.00 nowadays. Fortunately, I did find a place that has them for $135.00.

myyaz33: thanks for posting these pictures. I'd only seen the line drawings in the manual up 'til now, and didn't really know what was going on in there.

So, care to share the details of where you found the $135 deal? What comes in that assembly exactly? It sounds like it would have to be everything between the steering wheel and the pitman arm.

/chris

 

[myyaz33]

Here are a couple more pictures of the steering system.

Now that I have my order placed, I can safely share where I got it from. (Sorry for my selfishness) Sam's Tractor. Here is the link Kubota

Doesn't look like many TBN'ers have ordered from them and the one that did had to wait some time for their part. I haven't got mine yet so, I guess I can't rate them.

I would have liked to support Messicks or TractorSmart.com but at a $100 savings it was a no brainer.