Steering

[Lucky]

Now that I've seen the steering article by Mr. K, I decided I needed to replace the upper bushing on my B7100 as it has some play in it. Are there any tricks to popping off the steering wheel (mine is stuck on), or removing the bushing and installing the new one. Thanks for the help.

[Service Dept Vic]

That can be tuff one because that steering wheel is not built with the two opposing threaded holes allowing you to use a steering wheel puller.

Try this: loosen off the nut holding the steering wheel on, backing it off so it becomes "flush" with the top of the steering shaft.

Do not hit the end of the steering shaft without the nut there becasue you'll mushroom the shaft and you won't be able to get the nut back on later, and your helper won't get smacked in the pumpkin when the wheel suddenly pops off!

Next, have a helper pull UP on the wheel with two hands while you strike the nut with a brass drift or hammer, don't use your framing hammer!

If it doesn't come off, apply some penetrating oil to the splined or keyed area of the wheel and let it sit for an hour and try the procedure again.

Service Dept Vic

[Lucky]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up using a gear puller to get the steering wheel off (worked well). Also had to modify the new part (upper steering bushing) from kubota as it didn't match the old one.

[Mr. K]

Lucky, how did the old bushing look - pretty worn out? After a few years of turning the steering wheel they can get that way.

[Lucky]

It was worn, but not too bad. For as quick as it was to replace (once I got the steering wheel off) this would be something I would suggest that people do every few years. Hopefully this will prolong the life of my other steering componants and help to avoid future steering repairs.