D17 Center Steering Arm

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   Working on the WFE on a D17 Series III and don't know where to stop.  I'm about done changing out the spindle bushings and converting to 6 lug wheels.  The center steering arm that the inner tie rod ends fasten to flops up and down due to spline wear. 
Wonder if anyone has hot rodded a fix for this.  As far as I know, new parts are not available and all used parts are going to be somewhat worn.  Looks like the tie rods will push down on this arm when steering and a support/guide block under the arm would prevent this up-and-down wear on the splines.
Word of advice on the tie rods - buy new tie rod tube ends as well as the outer ends if these haven't been adjusted for awhile.  They rust into a one piece assy and even a generous application of heat won't loosen it.  

Word of advice on removing the spindle arms - you can not jack up the front axle and drive the spindle downward through the arm because a half moon key in the spindle stops the spindle and arm at the top edge of the spindle housing.  Everyone probably knows this except for me when I started this project.  Unsuccessfully tried pulling the arm up off the spindle with a gear puller but by then I had probably heated and beat  the top of the spindle so that pulling it was no longer an option.  Since there was an up and down slop of about a quarter of an inch, I torched through the spindle.

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jeickman01 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Level Joined: 24 Feb 2017 Location: Dyer, TN Points: 210	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeickman01 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: D17 Center Steering Arm Posted: 08 Jun 2022 at 4:00pm
	Working on the WFE on a D17 Series III and don't know where to stop. I'm about done changing out the spindle bushings and converting to 6 lug wheels. The center steering arm that the inner tie rod ends fasten to flops up and down due to spline wear. Wonder if anyone has hot rodded a fix for this. As far as I know, new parts are not available and all used parts are going to be somewhat worn. Looks like the tie rods will push down on this arm when steering and a support/guide block under the arm would prevent this up-and-down wear on the splines. Word of advice on the tie rods - buy new tie rod tube ends as well as the outer ends if these haven't been adjusted for awhile. They rust into a one piece assy and even a generous application of heat won't loosen it. Word of advice on removing the spindle arms - you can not jack up the front axle and drive the spindle downward through the arm because a half moon key in the spindle stops the spindle and arm at the top edge of the spindle housing. Everyone probably knows this except for me when I started this project. Unsuccessfully tried pulling the arm up off the spindle with a gear puller but by then I had probably heated and beat the top of the spindle so that pulling it was no longer an option. Since there was an up and down slop of about a quarter of an inch, I torched through the spindle.

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DrAllis Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 12 Sep 2009 Points: 22133	Post Options Post Reply Quote DrAllis Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 08 Jun 2022 at 7:52pm
	Solution ?? No new parts available, as you know. Replace the oil seal on the splined shaft. Install the arm and drive it on to where it's tight on the splines and do not use the roll pin. Weld it on the bottom so it stays tight and cannot slide down. If anyone has a better idea, I'm listening.

Kevin in WA Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Orange Level Access Joined: 08 Feb 2010 Location: Lynden, WA Points: 612	Post Options Post Reply Quote Kevin in WA Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Jun 2022 at 12:12pm
	I have drilled and threaded the shaft for a 1/2 bolt and machined a heavy cupped washer that pushes the arm up into the tapered part of the splines so it is tight, probably want to retorque after some use, this has worked good on several tractors I have done. You might use locktight on the bolt too.

jeickman01 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Silver Level Joined: 24 Feb 2017 Location: Dyer, TN Points: 210	Post Options Post Reply Quote jeickman01 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: 09 Jun 2022 at 2:47pm
	Thank you both to DrAllis and Kevin. Other than replacing parts there's probably not a whole lot else that can be done other than one of these two fixes.