Front end play

[Jay4200]

I noticed a bit of play in my L4200's front wheels - when driving they seem to shimmy or jerk slightly every once in a while, such as just when starting to reverse direction of steering. Power steering works great, BTW. I can't feel this movement in the tractor or steering, but if I look at the wheels, I can see it. It seems that the steering wheel has a little play too (maybe 1/20 turn or less). The hubs are solid, but with the front end off the ground, when I shake a steering control arm, I see some slight movement in the center piece where the control arms are connected (whatever it is called). Is this normal for tractors, or is something in the steering linkage smoked?

Thanks - Jay

 

[Mike_Lipke]

I'm not familiar with your particular model, but many steering boxes have an adjustment for play. Look to see if it has a slotted or hex bolt with a nut on it. If you see one, it may be the slack adjuster. Half turn might solve your problem. I think the arm you are talking about is called a Pittman Arm.

 

[Jay4200]

</font><font color="blue" class="small">( I'm not familiar with your particular model, but many steering boxes have an adjustment for play. Look to see if it has a slotted or hex bolt with a nut on it. If you see one, it may be the slack adjuster. Half turn might solve your problem. I think the arm you are talking about is called a Pittman Arm. )</font>

Thanks for the tip - I'll look (if it ever stops snowing...)

Jay

 

[kubota_man]

I don't think you should have any movement in the center piece. Look for worn-loose parts in that area. If there is any way to tighten anything try tightening all the connections and or bolts connected to the steering box. Good luck

 

[tarbaby]

Jay, like mike say's you're looking for a nut 5/8 to7/8 incharound that with a slot on top ,this should be on the top of the steering box, mark the location of the nut and slot, loose'n the nut about 1/2 turn then use a flat head scerw driver and turn in {right} clock wise , watch how many turns you make till you feel light pressure {tightness} hold the screwdriver in place and lock the nut, say a prayer, /forums/images/graemlins/ooo.gifhold on tight, /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif strap yourself in, /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif look at the front wheels and turn back and forth see if that helps, /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif don't make the screw adjustment to tight it will make it hard to steer. hope this helps, {called slack adjuster} ..paul