TC29D/33D Tilt Steering Dilemna

[Boomerboy]

I can't say enough about my TC29D - It has always served me and has never stop surprising me with its gut power and manuverability.

It was born in May of 2000, and I have enjoyed it since its arrival, but Dang, once again for the second time in 5 years (400 Hrs -an easy life) the steering tilt mechanism has again failed. This makes my Blue Boomer almost dangerous to drive. The steering wheel freely moves full forward and back, causing me to work hard at keeping my Boomer on line.

Have any of you Boomer Boys out there experienced the same failure? Is there an easy fix instead of having my dealer (a Great one I might add) pick it up for repair?

Help.

 

[Priz]

I've dealt with it on autos, the cause is generaly from people pulling themselves up (in) via the steering wheel, it generaly breaks part of the housing that holds the pivot pins, other times, it loosens the bolts in the columns... I'm not too familiar with NH tilt steering but
the principals should be the same as with autos.

the only other cause it could be is something went bad with the lever

if you can pull the steering wheel and covers the parts shouldnt be to difficult to replace

 

[Tazz]

Hello all! Frequent reader, first time poster here. I finally got on my keyboard in an effort to help others.

This problem with the steering column is something I just fixed on my TC29d last weekend so I think I might be able to help.

The problem is dirt and moisture can drop down into small valve under the release handle spring causing it to bind. You can see the spring just forward of the handle.

First you need to access the steering column by removing the side engine covers and then unbolt (I think 4bolts) the clamshell housing aft of the firewall.

Then you need an allen wrench to remove the release handle and lever to get access to that spring and a valve post.

With the spring out of the way you will see a small tube with a smaller post sticking out of it about 1/4 inch tall. That post controls the valve buried deep in the column.

I flushed that tube and post with some LPS (WD40 type) lubricant and worked that post in and out using needle nose pliers. The problem is that post will go down, unlocking the steering columnn but may not return. Just be carefull not to push that post too far down where you can't grab it again. I just kept working it until it was free.

It's easy to see how water and dust can get down in there.

To all others, a be-lated thanks for the help in the past. Now maybe I can help some in the future.

 

[jinman]

Hi Tazz, and welcome to TBN and the forum. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Your advice is perfect. You just described how I fixed the steering on my Class III Boomer. I wasn't sure the mechanism was the same, but reading your description, I realized it is very close. Probablythe only difference is in removal of the cowling.

I found the release pin had stuck down on my tilt cylinder too. I lubed and carefully worked it just as you described and then put some white lithium grease on it. If you can fill that void with grease and keep water out, I think this problem will go away. I also made and installed a cover over mine that would deflect rain since my tractor is parked outside year-round. I think New Holland has started putting a cover on newer models, but I'm not sure.

Anyhow, I think your description is the definitive and proper way to service the tilt cylinder. It sure worked for me. /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[Tazz]

Thanks jinman,

I just ran outside to check the accessability of the column and the rear cowling does need to come off. This will give a chance to clean out all the dirt that collects back there especially around the back side of the fuse box / wire harness. I found some corrosion there that needed tending to before it became a problem.

The grease idea should be a good fix, I may add that to my list of thing to do this winter. The rain guard I use is in the form of an 8x10 tarp until I can build a tractor shed.