MX5000 Steering Issues

[tadsdad]

Hope I got this in the right place.

Well, I have a MX5000 2WD with 700 hrs. A great tractor but has always had way too much slop in the steering wheel. Its isnt hydraulic, its in the tie rods or the wheel area. The shaft that fits in the knuckle has a lot of play and no matter how I tighten it moves around. Those parts are called COMP. SHAFT KNUCKLE- TC-05011100 and ARM, RH KNUCKLE 31351-11213. I bought the tractor used and I believe it hit something before I got it.
My question is do I replace that stud and knuckle assembly and while I have it apart do a complete rebuild in that area? Hate to replace good parts.

When I say play, when the wheels are off of the ground I can move the left wheel 6-8" without it affecting the tie rod or steering wheel.

Any help is certainly appreciated.

 

[Fedup]

It looks like the spindle (that's what I would call it) has a square head on the top where the tie rod connecting arm fastens onto it? What you describe says that both those contact surfaces are worn beyond serviceability. You might order a new arm first, try that and see if/how much improvement that makes before replacing the spindle as well. The spindle is made of tougher stuff and won't wear as fast as the cast arm, so it might still have some life in it. If you need to go that far you should probably should replace the bushings and thrust washers as well if there's any noticeable lateral movement.

Another option is the "farmer" trick. Just weld the arm to the spindle where the toe in looks right. You get what you can out of it, then cut it off and go back with new parts.

 

[tadsdad]

It looks like the spindle (that's what I would call it) has a square head on the top where the tie rod connecting arm fastens onto it? What you describe says that both those contact surfaces are worn beyond serviceability. You might order a new arm first, try that and see if/how much improvement that makes before replacing the spindle as well. The spindle is made of tougher stuff and won't wear as fast as the cast arm, so it might still have some life in it. If you need to go that far you should probably should replace the bushings and thrust washers as well if there's any noticeable lateral movement.

Another option is the "farmer" trick. Just weld the arm to the spindle where the toe in looks right. You get what you can out of it, then cut it off and go back with new parts.

Excellent advice. You think like I do. I believe that's where the issue is and it was loose for so long it worn. The spindle assembly is $262 and the knuckles are $163. Bushings and thrust washers can't cost too much. Really appreciate it.
PS- if this was next year and I had enough power to the barn then the weld option would be in play. Would get another year out of it anyway. About I do with the tractor is pull a 7 deck mower for my 10 acres.

Thanks again.