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How to Remove the Bolster

4

400D Guy

Member
I removed my front wheels on my 400 and now am trying to remove the bolster. I want to change out all the bushings, etc, and do it from a bench, not on my head. I took out the 8 bolts holding the bolster to the frame rails, but the bolster won'tbudge. So I removed the front engine mount bolts, and it still doesn't hint at budging. The front of the tractor is being held up by a splitting stand, so the frame rails are in use, so to speak.

Any hints on getting this thing out
 
(quoted from post at 13:36:14 12/18/11) I removed my front wheels on my 400 and now am trying to remove the bolster. I want to change out all the bushings, etc, and do it from a bench, not on my head. I took out the 8 bolts holding the bolster to the frame rails, but the bolster won'tbudge. So I removed the front engine mount bolts, and it still doesn't hint at budging. The front of the tractor is being held up by a splitting stand, so the frame rails are in use, so to speak.

Any hints on getting this thing out
Click to expand...

First, I want to warn you that the front bolster is HEAVY, and also TOP heavy, so use a hoist or lift of some kind. Having said that, see if you can wedge something between the frame rails and motor mounts and spread those rails just a bit. It doesn't take much, but there is rust and dirt built up between the frame rails and the bolster. If it wasn't for the crud, that bolster would pretty much just slide right out.
 
trying not to be mean....From reading your posts,it sounds like you have no idea what you are doing.Mabe you should take it to a professional before you hurt yourself.Loosen the frame rails at the bell housing,the bolster should then fall right out.use a hoist-those things are heavy.Be careful!! and Good luck
 

Yeh, I may appear to not know what I am doing, but am deceivingly capable in many areas. I am actually very cautious, and just made a small mistake with the bolster shaft coming down a bit. It was easily overcome with a little upwards wedging and replacing the nut (I actually thought it was already on there).

If I come across a little thick headed -- just trying to be cautious. I appreciate all the help.
 
You know, when I got my first two tractors and began rebuilding them I had no clue as to what I was doing or how to do it, ( I had only rebuilt one engine prior to rebuilding those tractors) I just started taking stuff apart and learned by doing it, I was careful and did not make any major mistakes, and with the help of the good guys on this board I got them done and they run well. Now I am a seasoned antique tractor rebuilder and have worked on several tractors for other people. We all have to start somewhere, the willingness to try is the big first step.
 
Yes, we all have to start somewhere, and the willingness to try is the first big step.

That willingness to try can also land you underneath hundreds or thousands of pounds of cast iron with no hope of rescue.

If you're going to go about this yourself with no help or guidance from someone who has done it before, be sure to stop and THINK. Be at least three steps ahead in your mind, and make sure you have an "out" in case something doesn't go the way you planned.
 

Thanks, and I'm trying to think ahead.

Got the bolster off, removed top and bottom bushings, will get final bushing tomorrow. Someone had shimmed the top bushing next to the cast with some sheet metal -- guess the shaft wore through the previous bushing and ate into the cast. The worm gear ball bearing has about 1/32" side play -- that's probably not OK. The upper bolster thrust roller bearing was full of mud. I cleaned it real well, but the bearings and everything is real loose. Bearing balls appear pitted. Called IH about cost and they want $80 and $90 for them. I had to hang up and think about it.
 
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