Super A steering box loose

[jeffgreef]

Called an IH dealer and learned a little about parts numbers. I asked if he could cross reference an old original model A part number to that of a Super A to see if they are the same part, specifically the steering shaft with worm gear. But he told me that they no longer even show the old part numbers for the As. They do show part numbers for the Super As, but that particular part is no longer available. He said that it is always worth asking, though, because in some cases some of the old parts are sitting on shelves somewhere and can be obtained.

I asked if IH ever put out any cross-reference books, he said that they did in the past but he hasn't seen them in years. They used to call them 'sub books' (substitution parts) and were only available to dealers. I tried a search for those and came up with nothing. Not that I'm going to keep searching for such a book just for the sake of parts for my one tractor, but it would be a useful reference for those of us determined to keep these old beasts running.

 

[DJ54]

I filled out a questionnaire on the Case/IH online parts page, and specifically asked why they took the older models off, and requested they put them back. I do realize they have probably thousands of models listed, but also realize they more then likely have some "Techies" setting around making big bucks, twiddling their thumbs.

I'm sure they keep track of hits for all models, and if they don't generate enough hits, it's not worth keeping on site. And along with number of hits, probably corresponds to parts actually sold for the older models. Then you got guys like me looking for a part, then either buying used, or aftermarket.

I'm just wondering if the sub books were in the era of the micro fiche days. I'd imagine a lot of those systems were put in dumpsters when everything went computerized. Some may end on ebay, or still setting on a shelf somewhere collecting dust.

 

[jeffgreef]

And a few of those dusty old tomes will still be there long after all the hard drives have failed.

I've heard predictions that future historians will find a great void of information after the year 2000, because all the digital media will be unreadable.

But my tractor will still be there, in the barn, collecting dust, thirsty for gasoline.

 

[DJ54]

It does make you wonder if the CUT's of today will be still running 60 years from now, and what parts will be available for them. There are some early one's now, that a person can't get parts for.

Love my old iron. My newest tractor is a '67, and I'm good with that.

 

[flusher]

Doesn't look promising for replacement parts for your Super A steering.
I'd just pack the steering bolster with grease and go from there.

A few years ago I bought a 1945 Oliver 60 row crop tractor for restoration. I found that the rear axle was packed full of grease to handle problems with worn gears. Took me several days to drain that stuff.

Good luck

 

[DJ54]

You can always try the 1/2 turn of the worm gear I described above. Might tighten it up some.

 

[jeffgreef]

You may be right that I won't find a good worm gear. Numerous Super As are listed in the dismantlers section on tractorhouse, I haven't checked those yet, but I wonder if I could find a used one in better shape.

DJ- still not sure how turning the worm gear 1/2 turn would work out- would that limit turning radius to one side of the tractor? I think that essentially what you are doing is moving the gear that messes with the worm to one tooth forward or backward so that when going straight forward the worm and gear mesh on different teeth which are less worn. It would be interesting to experiment with moving the worm gear forward so that the less worn rear portion of the worm meshes to the steering gear. This would mean shimming behind the bearing. Maybe a special order slimmer bearing could be used, with a washer or two behind it. The steering gear is readily available, though expensive.

 

[DJ54]

Yep, just puts the worm gear a half turn away from the sector, where it's been chattering for years. I guess you'd know more after getting apart, and see if you visibly notice any wear. Like I said, it helped mine a bit. Close enough for me, I'd rather have it chattering on those gears, than my wrist's.

If I recall, you said your's had about 1/8 turn free play, mine wasn't near that much.

I still wouldn't get too excited about different parts, until you get it apart, and see exactly what is worn. Could be the worm sector, or, like the guy in another forum, had the sector gear/shaft key shear completely off. And I'm sure that was after years of working back and forth. I can't imagine that front end assembly taking that much of a shot to shear it all at once, without breaking something externally.