Case 580SN Tilt Steering Column Problem & Question on Bucket Conversion Bushings

[Blueacre]

I just purchased a 2015 Case 580SN. Machine is in over all good condition. It has a tilt steering column - when I pulled the locking lever it was a little harder to pull than I expected but I was able to release the lock and adjust the column. Now I cant get the the column to lock in one position. When I move the column forward and back there is some resistance and it feels like the lock partially engages but if you pull a little harder on the steering wheel it moves and fells like teeth skipping over each other. I assume there is a spring loaded pawl type lock that disengages when the release lever is pulled and the spring should pull it back into the lock position when the lever is released. Possibly the lock mechanism is dirty or rusted and and the spring is not able to pull the lock mechanism into the locked position.

Just checking to see if someone has run across this before and has any suggestion on how to go about freeing up the locking mechanism.

My other question is regarding the bucket pins for the 580SN. I currently have a 580SM and I know the SN larger diameter pins in both of the backhoe bucket locations. I have 3 buckets for the the SM and want to adapt 2 of them to use on the SN. I see that they sell a conversion kit with 2 pins and bushings to convert from SM and earlier to the SN. I have extra pins for the SM buckets and have a lathe - wondering if I can just use the extra SM pins I have and machine bushings from seamless tubing with ID to fit over the SM pins and OD to suit the SN mounts.

Appreciate any comments and suggestions.

 

[Blueacre]

Followup on tilt steering issue with 580SN backhoe. I removed the steering wheel and the plastic shroud around the column. Sprayed loss of penetrating oil on the tilt steering mechanism and then I repeatedly pulled up on the the tilt release lever and let it snap back down. Did this probably 50 or more time and gradually the tilt lock started to engage more positively till by the end it seemed to be locking okay.

 

[Blueacre]

Followup re the conversion bushings for 580M buckets to fit 580SN - Found the pin lengths are the same for both the small and large pins on both machines and the center to center distance is also the same. The large pin is 55mm diameter (2.17 inches) on the N versus 1.77 inches on the M. The small pin is 50mm diameter (1.97 inches) versus 1.5 inches on the M. I bought some seamless steel tubing and am going to machine bushings with ID to fit the smaller M pins and OD to fit the larger N bushings in the bucket mount.