Telescoping (not!) steering column

[FHTM_JK]

Just bought a 2001 TC29D from local dealer. Low hours and pretty good price, but the telescoping steering column feature won't work. Didn't know to look for than when I bought it. Search in archives comes up with about $400 in parts and 3 hours of dealer labor to repair. Has anyone sucessfully done it on his own? I can't get the knob in the center of the steering wheel to turn, short of trying a pipe wrench, and even then I don't know how much it's supposed to turn before I can shorten or lengthen the steering column.

Any help is appreciated.

Jerry K

 

[k0ua]

Just bought a 2001 TC29D from local dealer. Low hours and pretty good price, but the telescoping steering column feature won't work. Didn't know to look for than when I bought it. Search in archives comes up with about $400 in parts and 3 hours of dealer labor to repair. Has anyone sucessfully done it on his own? I can't get the knob in the center of the steering wheel to turn, short of trying a pipe wrench, and even then I don't know how much it's supposed to turn before I can shorten or lengthen the steering column.

Any help is appreciated.

Jerry K

Seemed like it turned about 1/2 a turn to loosen and then your supposed to pull or push the stem and then tighten. All by hand It has been a lot of years since I owned one,. There is a member on here named jinman. He is pretty much a new holland guy.. If you could PM him, or perhaps he will find this thread, He could likely help you. Sorry I can not be of more help.

James K0UA

 

[pacerron]

Just bought a 2001 TC29D from local dealer. Low hours and pretty good price, but the telescoping steering column feature won't work. Didn't know to look for than when I bought it. Search in archives comes up with about $400 in parts and 3 hours of dealer labor to repair. Has anyone sucessfully done it on his own? I can't get the knob in the center of the steering wheel to turn, short of trying a pipe wrench, and even then I don't know how much it's supposed to turn before I can shorten or lengthen the steering column.

Any help is appreciated.

Jerry K

In case Jim Inman doesn't see your post.
I have a CNH that probably has the same steering adjustments.
The knob in the center of the steering wheel turns a little more than 1/4 turn CCW to unlock the shaft. It should then raise or lower a range of about 3-4 inches.
There is also, on mine, a tilt lever down near the floor on the dash cowl.
If you have the tilt you might tilt the shaft so it is straight before trying to pull or push the wheel height.
Are you sure the knob is not already turned CCW as far as it will go and stuck? Could someone have jammed the wheel down or up and gotten it stuck.
You will probably have to remove some cowling to be sure what is going on.
Ron

 

[jinman]

Well, I'm here, but I'm not gonna be much help. My telescoping steering wheel worked until I got about 200 yards from the dealership. It hasn't worked since.:laughing: Actually, it did work a bit longer than that, but I never used it and now it's frozen. I've replaced the tilt mechanism/shock, but never worried about the telescoping feature. I'll check my repair manual and see what/if it helps. The repair manual is pretty weak in this area though.

EDIT: Nothing in the Repair Manual. . . only an illustrated parts diagram online. Item #2 is the adjuster for telescoping and item #7 is the telescoping sleeve. I do believe it is CCW to release and CW to set on the adjuster knob.

 

[pacerron]

Well, I'm here, but I'm not gonna be much help. My telescoping steering wheel worked until I got about 200 yards from the dealership. It hasn't worked since.:laughing: Actually, it did work a bit longer than that, but I never used it and now it's frozen. I've replaced the tilt mechanism/shock, but never worried about the telescoping feature. I'll check my repair manual and see what/if it helps. The repair manual is pretty weak in this area though.

Jim,
If your manual has a parts diagram of the steering, please post it.
The translated operator manual from Jesi, Italy for my 4020 doesn't even mention it. The only reason I knew it existed was because the dealer's mechanic I questioned before purchase about the tractor showed it to me.
If it's a sticky problem, I guess I better put it on the exercise list, in case I ever get my wife to using the tractor.LOL
Ron

 

[k0ua]

Well, I'm here, but I'm not gonna be much help. My telescoping steering wheel worked until I got about 200 yards from the dealership. It hasn't worked since.:laughing: Actually, it did work a bit longer than that, but I never used it and now it's frozen. I've replaced the tilt mechanism/shock, but never worried about the telescoping feature. I'll check my repair manual and see what/if it helps. The repair manual is pretty weak in this area though.

EDIT: Nothing in the Repair Manual. . . only an illustrated parts diagram online. Item #2 is the adjuster for telescoping and item #7 is the telescoping sleeve. I do believe it is CCW to release and CW to set on the adjuster knob.

Well darn. Mine worked well, and I did adjust it some from when the wife and I both drove it. I never had any problems with it, but only had that tractor maybe 2 years. or so. I cannot remember for sure, and bought it new..

James K0UA

 

[pacerron]

Well, I'm here, but I'm not gonna be much help. My telescoping steering wheel worked until I got about 200 yards from the dealership. It hasn't worked since.:laughing: Actually, it did work a bit longer than that, but I never used it and now it's frozen. I've replaced the tilt mechanism/shock, but never worried about the telescoping feature. I'll check my repair manual and see what/if it helps. The repair manual is pretty weak in this area though.

EDIT: Nothing in the Repair Manual. . . only an illustrated parts diagram online. Item #2 is the adjuster for telescoping and item #7 is the telescoping sleeve. I do believe it is CCW to release and CW to set on the adjuster knob.

Jim,
Thanks for the edit and the parts pic. I almost missed it.
The 1/4 turn CCW to unlock is correct. I just checked mine this morning
and it still works.
Can you imagine what that assembly added to the price of the tractor!
I suppose air bags will be required next
Ron

 

[FHTM_JK]

Well...the height may be alright, but it sure would be nice to be able to check out the options, especially when that is part of what makes it a TC29"D"...dang, I just hate for something not to work as it's supposed to...and hate it even worse when I can't fix it!

JK

Jim,
Thanks for the edit and the parts pic. I almost missed it.
The 1/4 turn CCW to unlock is correct. I just checked mine this morning
and it still works.
Can you imagine what that assembly added to the price of the tractor!
I suppose air bags will be required next
Ron

 

[pacerron]

Well...the height may be alright, but it sure would be nice to be able to check out the options, especially when that is part of what makes it a TC29"D"...dang, I just hate for something not to work as it's supposed to...and hate it even worse when I can't fix it!

JK

This tractor is bigger than yours but the stearing adjustment is probably the same ( not worth fooling with )
To me the most important part of the steering is the "Spinner" I always add to the steering wheels.
I took these pictures and measurements so you would know the options or at least the range that is the same or close to yours.
You might call the dealer and ask if they have a service bulletin telling how to fix this problem.
I would hesitate squirting PCL or BreakFree in there, which would be a common first thought. Jim's is probably clogged with Caliche and adding oil could make a real mess. If it is just rust, have at it. You might pull the rubber boot up from around the stearing column, if it isn't cracking already, for a better view.
I still think you will have to remove the dash or cowl to get a better look.
You can compare the dimensions in my pictures to where yours is now to get an idea if it is stuck all the way out or in.
Enjoy your Blue tractor.
Ron

 

[pacerron]

When I went out to do some chores, w/o the camera I noticed I goofed in where I described the telescoping action taking place. If you didn't notice it in the pictures already; the telescoping action all takes place right under the steering wheel part #7 in Jim's diagram.
See the yellow line area in the attached picture.
So with that and the diagram of how the steering wheel itself is bolted on to the shaft under the emblem cap you should be able to figure how to get it sliding again.