B7200HSTE steering failure

[rustythread]

While mowing, tractor suddenly refused to recover from a right turn. Attempt to rotate steering wheel resulted in snap/crack sound.
With front end jacked up and front wheels clear of ground, wheels could be freely be turned left and right




Jacking up front end so front wheels were free of ground, wheels could be freely turned left and right.
Query: How do I get into the area where the bottom of the steering column connects to the gearbox? Take ou
t the fuel tank? Disconnect all the gauges and controls and pull off the dashboard cowling?
Thanksw in advance

 

[Russell King]

See the illustrated parts lists for your tractor here.

Kubota Tractor Corporation - Illustrated Parts List

- K-PAD - Parts Lists - Illustrated Parts Lists - diagrams

apps.kubotausa.com

But Yes (probably) is my answer to your question.

 

[TheOldHokie]

While mowing, tractor suddenly refused to recover from a right turn. Attempt to rotate steering wheel resulted in snap/crack sound.
With front end jacked up and front wheels clear of ground, wheels could be freely be turned left and right




Jacking up front end so front wheels were free of ground, wheels could be freely turned left and right.
Query: How do I get into the area where the bottom of the steering column connects to the gearbox? Take ou
t the fuel tank? Disconnect all the gauges and controls and pull off the dashboard cowling?
Thanksw in advance

I assume this is manusl steering. You have to remobe the column and that meams dash as well. The WSM covers the procedure. My guess is the ballnut has gone belly up. But whatever it is do a complete overhaul while its apart.

Dan

 

[rustythread]

Yes, this is manual steering. I just got the WSMs and parts catalog for B6200 & B7200 from Peaceful Creek. Nice exploded parts diags, but I don't find any description of how to get in there. Your insight into how to get in to the guts are very helpful. Processes like this are made much more...uh...interesting... by my having only about 5% vision and no depth perception.

Just found and viewed a high-speed youtube video of steering R & R including R & R of dash panel. Dang. Looks like first step will be clearing off a table / workbench to lay out all the parts as I remove them. Then work on my Braille-mechanic-fu.

 

[rustythread]

Dan, can you suggest which parts (1) will necessarily need replacement in the course of inspection or overhaul (e.g., seals, gaskets, shims destroyed in the removal and inspection) and (2) which parts are most likely broken /worn out and need replacement as part of repair?

I'd rather have an extra part or two than get the thing apart and then start looking for replacements.
Thanks

 

[TheOldHokie]

Yes, this is manual steering. I just got the WSMs and parts catalog for B6200 & B7200 from Peaceful Creek. Nice exploded parts diags, but I don't find any description of how to get in there. Your insight into how to get in to the guts are very helpful. Processes like this are made much more...uh...interesting... by my having only about 5% vision and no depth perception.

Just found and viewed a high-speed youtube video of steering R & R including R & R of dash panel. Dang. Looks like first step will be clearing off a table / workbench to lay out all the parts as I remove them. Then work on my Braille-mechanic-fu.

I have dine it twice. Possibly three times. Pretty obvious but onerous process.

Dan

 

[TheOldHokie]

Dan, can you suggest which parts (1) will necessarily need replacement in the course of inspection or overhaul (e.g., seals, gaskets, shims destroyed in the removal and inspection) and (2) which parts are most likely broken /worn out and need replacement as part of repair?

I'd rather have an extra part or two than get the thing apart and then start looking for replacements.
Thanks

Ball nut, and all bearings, seals, abd upper bush. Looks like the ball nut which is likely toast is NLA.

 

[rustythread]

Ball nut, and all bearings, seals, abd upper bush. Looks like the ball nut which is likely toast is NLA.

 

[rustythread]

Thanks again.
Are any of the parts kits/assemblies from Amazon worth buying, or are they all Chinese junk?

 

[TheOldHokie]

Thanks again.
Are any of the parts kits/assemblies from Amazon worth buying, or are they all Chinese junk?

Certainly better than NLA.

Dan

 

[rustythread]

Certainly better than NLA.

Dan

Using a search inquiry "Kubota B7200 HST steering" pulled up, among other items, a site called Voratat which offered the entire assembly for $99 apparently at a markdown from around $400. Placed an order and failed numerpuis times completing the form. Emailed them asking for help. Today my email carrier advised that my email could not be delivered. Further checking --which I should have done in the beginning--revealed a really low satisfaction rating. I.e., indicators consistent with it being a scam. Now I get to subscribe to a service which can try to scrub my info out.
Still looking but good aftermarket steering assemblies seem to be made of unobtanium.
On the lighter side, a friend who not only knows what a wrench is, but also has two functioning eyes, is coming over Friday to help remove the old assembly.
Let the games begin!