1711 Front Axle

[rswartz]

Since I bought my 1711 almost 2 years ago, I noticed that there was some play in the steering. I realize that I need to either rebuild or buy a rebuilt steering assembly, but I noticed something else. When I turn the steering wheel, the front axle moves back and forth somewhat. Does anyone know how much play, if any, the front axle is supposed to have? As always, I appreciate any input.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Randy, sounds like the channel for the axle is spread apart a little. If you remove the axle you can squeeze it back together with a nut and bolt. Click on THIS LINK then scroll down to my post from September 05, 2007 and you can see where I reposted some info from Richard C., that he had previously posted. It's a photo and some detail on this fix.

 

[rswartz]

Thanks for that bit of information and also the link, Kraig. I didn't think I should have any play in that axle. Only problem is that I will probably have to wait until mowing season is over to tackle this one.

 

[bcook]

Randy: Your 1711 already has a bolt and nut holding the axle into the frame's crossmember..you probably just need to tighten it up some.

Richard's procedure is for Pre-82 series tractors that had a axle pivot pin. (Note> The picture he posted is of a Quietline series tractor)

This diagram is of the 1711's front axle from the Cub Cadet Parts Lookup site:

 

[rswartz]

Thanks for that schematic, Bill. I knew that I had that bolt holding the axle onto the frame and had thought about tightening it before, but I wanted to check and make sure that it wasn't supposed to have any play. I like Kraig's idea, but I do want to just try tightening it first. It that doesn't work, then when mowing season is over, I'll just remove the axle and use Kraig's idea.

 

[agitch]

Just tightened my 782 axle up a little and it seemed to work for me ok.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Bill, thanks for catching that. I looked at that Parts Lookup drawing to see if the 1711 had the two adjusting bolts, it didn't, but I never thought to look at the actual pivot to see if it used the old style pin or a bolt.

 

[bcook]

Randy: When I got my 1712 I tightened up the bolt...it took -almost- all of the front to back slop out of the axle.

Kraig: The Original used a bolt, then the NF, WF, and QLs used a pivot pin. The 82 series and up uses the bolt.

 

[kmcconaughey]

Bill, yep, I know the Original used a bolt, the axle bolt for my Original is setting on my work bench right now. I didn't know that the later Cubs went back to the bolt. I'm more versed in the narrow frame <FONT COLOR="ff0000">I</FONT><FONT COLOR="000000">H</FONT> Cubs.

 

[rswartz]

Kraig, Bill & Adrian - Thanks for all of the input from you guys. I still have not gotten around to tightening the bolt, but will be soon.

 

[rswartz]

Well, I got the bolt tightened down today. It took all the slop out of the front axle, but I found another problem. There has been a portion of rubber hose with 2 hose clamps on it near the bottom of the steering column since I bought the tractor. Today after I tightened the axle bolt, I turned the steering wheel and watched while the bottom portion of the steering column moved back and forth. I'm assuming that the housing must be broken. I guess I'll be looking for another steering column this winter.