Tilt Steering

[Williecoyote]

Does anyone know if the small shaft plunger inside the tilt steering gas shock on my TC33D is supposed to move freely up and down, or should it return to the up position all by itself? I'm assuming when you lift the tilt steering handle it pushes the plunger down to release a valve inside the gas shock. Then when you let the handle go, the spring returns the handle to it's resting position, but what makes the plunger come back up?

 

[dqdave1]

There should be a small spring that returns the handle to the up position

 

[jinman]

It might be internal pressure inside the cylinder or a spring, but if that little plunger does not pop back up by itself, the tilt steering will not lock in place. It is so firm when it is locked that it makes me think it must be a mechanical lock, but I guess it could be fluid.

The illustrated parts catalog doesn't show the internal structure of the cylinder since the whole thing is sold as a unit. If mine ever goes out and I have to replace it, you can bet I'll keep the old one and open it up to see how it's made.

 

[daTeacha]

If you do open it when that day comes, figure to have anything the shock oil gets on more or less permanently stained. I don't think those are pressurized are they? That could get really interesting if you drill into one.

 

[MadDogDriver]

If mine ever goes out and I have to replace it, you can bet I'll keep the old one and open it up to see how it's made.

I think this is a common trait in most of us here on TBN. The never ending desire to figure out how things really work.

I've found myself using NH's website for the parts breakdown/blowups to satisfy my curiosity of how it's put together and could be a poor man's repair manual. My tractor is way too new, plus under warranty, for any attempt by me to tear into it yet. Have you found that your repair manual is documented well enough? I know the Chilton's type manuals for autos can sometimes be lacking.

I know we'd love to see your discovery with pics when that day ever comes Jim.