B5100 steering shaft ballnut reload

[sparkymiller]

OK, I looked at the 'how-to' regarding the steering gear rebuild..but..no mention of how to reload all the balls into the 'ballnut' unit.
Anyone have a 'link' or 'how-to-do-it'?
Thanks
Jay

 

[300zx]

I did a B6200 ball nut. If it is the same, you should have 54 or 58 balls, I can't remember off hand. Put the nut on the steering shaft and put one of the two half pipes into the lower end to keep the balls from coming out as you load them. Load half in the bottom holes and put the other half pipe in to hold them there. Put the other half in the top and do the same. Then install the strap that holds the pipes in place.

Good Luck,
John in VA

 

[sparkymiller]

Thanks John....1st try was good, but noticed binding with ballnut all the way down.took apart for a look.....13 tries later FINALLY got it togerther(but still stiff)...yeesh, little balls are hard to spot on the garage floor.......
..now to try welding the clutch housing together.......
Jay

 

[300zx]

I understand completely. It took me a few tries also. I think when I ran mine the full range, top to bottom, the balls adjusted themselves and it ran smoother. You might try that. Also, make sure you follow Vic's advice on mating the ball nut to the other steering gear.

John in VA

 

[kubotasam]

http://www.orangetractortalks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9027&highlight=ball
This thread shows some good ideas including how I did mine on a B7100.

 

[sparkymiller]

OK..I'm fast at reloading them balls ! BUT..still have a binding occouring about 3/4 way down the shaft.
Can't see anything as to why. No combination of balls,ball pipes,block position seems to help.
There's no money in the wallet for a new shaft/ballnut($200) so I might have to scrap the beast...sigh.....

 

[Apogee]

I would suggest that before you consider scrapping the tractor over something like this, that you consider sending the unit to Vic to have him rebuild it.

Look VERY carefully to see if there happens to be a small burr or chip where the balls ride that would be causing them to hang up.

Also, make sure the balls can pass through the tubes without binding. Sometimes the tubes get damaged and the balls will no longer go through them like they should.

Good luck,

Steve