steering issue for newbies

[gary noblit]

Gents,one of the things I have learned the hard way about steering issues on the older cubs.The steering box(I call it) located under machine can have a great deal of slop in it based on wear internally.Note pic of "box",the left nut and adjuster control an inside follower that travels as you turn steering wheel,this turns outside plate that moves linkage.Note slot in follower for adjustment.ON a 125 there is a hole in frame that allows one to reach in and turn adjuster after loosening lock nut (it's 7/8).Two issues arise, it's almost impossible to view from underneath but it can be done.Once the lock nut is backed off turn follower about a 1/2 turn in and check wheel again to see if it tightened it up enough or too much.After 50 yrs riding in the same spot it very likely has worn the follower flat on one side so turning it brings up fresh untouched steel that might not follow right.It's a balancing act of too much,too little .If it can't be put in adjustment then changing the follower is the answer.Note pic. ,two mounting holes hold the column to the frame,removing these allows enough movement to remove follower.Remove all linkage first an maintain position of plate.It needs to go back in same position.Recent experience with 125,wheel had almost 1/2 turn of slop after adjusting it was down to an 1/8 where I chose to leave it.One full turn of follower almost locked steering up so it had to be backed off.I believe I got lucky..