AC 312H Steering Box

[stamic55 1]

Hey all,

I've got an AC 312H garden tractor.  I believe the steering box is shot.  Tractor can not turn right.  Straight and left only.  I've not removed it yet so I don't know the damage.

Can this be rebuilt?  Where can I source parts from?

Anyone know where I can find a used replacement?

Other options?

If I'm in the wrong forum please move it or let me know and I can repost.

[BruceH 7]

Mike,

Those are Ross steering boxes I believe.  There is some adjustability in the unit.

I have an extra (along with some other parts).  PM me if you are interested.

 Bruce

[stamic55 1]

Thanks Bruce,

I was not aware there could be some adjustment.  I'll work on getting the box out and get back to you if I need anything.

Mike

[stamic55 1]

Well it took a while to get back to it (Traveling for work for nearly a month), but I finally got it out.  There was no steering wheel cap and I always stored it outside, so you can imagine how much that sucked.  I ended up having to cut the steering wheel off.  Shaft threads aren't too marred.  Below are some pictures.  

It's a Ross box.  The end of the box has been busted off.  There are some threads there, but I'm not sure what they were for.  I found remnants of some bearings, I assume for the steering shaft where the box and tube meet.  Not sure another set of bearings would fit in there well.  The shaft does show some wear, but is probably reusable.  I'm no expert on that.  I found the adjustment Bruce was talking about on the box piece that attaches to the rest of the steering linkage.  See last photo.  

So, is this thing salvageable?

[Chris727 2,022]

Look for another one. That housing is shot. There is supposed to be a threaded plug in the bottom which is retained in place with a cotter pin. So much of the threads are gone it will no longer hold another plug.

Edited November 20, 2016 by Chris727

[BruceH 7]

Mike,

Sent you a PM.

[stamic55 1]

Hey all, 

Finding parts for an Allis 312 can be difficult.  I found that John Deere and Cub Cadet both used the Ross steering box, of which there are plenty of used parts for sale.  As an FYI, on some of the Cubs one of the 3 mounting screws on the box is in a different location.  I was able to find some John Deere 110 parts for sale locally.  I picked up the steering box/column for $35 and he gave me the Deere steering wheel for $10.  The mechanics felt pretty good, no slop at all, and probably doesn't need rebuilt but I might as well do it while I have it out.  

There are two major difference I see once I took it apart.  First difference, the Deere column/shaft is 4" longer than the one I pulled out of the Allis.  I threw it in the Allis to see if this would be a problem.  I think it may be a bit awkward at first, but it'll probably force me to sit up straight and not slouch.  If I don't like it I can always pull it back out, cut off 4", and install the original shaft for a quick fix.  Second difference I noticed is in the worm gear.  It'll take one more rotation of the gear to go full left to full right.  Since the deere steering wheel is 13" and I had a 15" on with the old setup I don't yet know how much difference it will really be.  I had interference with the steering wheel and hood before so that's another reason not to go back to the old setup.

 For the rebuild I'll be upgrading to the easy steer bearing on the box, where the double nut is located. I also will upgrade to a bearing up near the steering wheel as well.  Any reason not to?  The two sets of bearings and bearing races from the deere look good, but I'll replace those and that foam gasket thing too.  

[MikeES 458]

With the tighter pitch you will need less force to turn, thus the 13" steering wheel vs. the 15".