Ford 4000 4 cyl. Gas steering trouble

[Douglas Miner]

I switched the two steering lines from the column
to the ram on the side of my tractor with the
inching pedal. Now it does not want to turn. Do I
need to bleed the air out of the ram?
 

[Sean in PA]

Not sure what you mean by "I switched the two steering lines from the column to the ram on the side of my tractor with the inching pedal."

If you replaced them with new lines, are you sure that you hooked the same way the old ones were connected? If you reversed the connections, then the ram on the left side of the tractor will be trying to move the steering in the opposite direction as the ram on the right side and the result will be no movement.

Try disconnecting one end of each of the rams from the steering linkage and turning the wheel. That way you'll see if the rams are moving, and which way they're moving as you turn the steering wheel.

If they are hooked up correctly, then steering from full stop left to full stop right back and forth a few times should bleed any air out of the system. Have you checked the fluid level in the reservoir?
 

[Ultradog MN]

Sean is correct. Try reversing the lines on that side and see what happens.
Do Not force the wheel against the hudraulics.
You will break the little springs in the steering actuator block in the steering column and then you'll have a bunch more questions.
Inching pedal is on the Port side of the tractor.
 

[Larry NCKS]

Now-if us lay folk only knew what "Port side" meant!
 

[Ultradog MN]

Sorry Larry.
If ships had inching pedals I could have helped you out as to as to the port and starboard.
 

[Douglas Miner]

I switched the lines and the steering appeared to be working. I then topped of the reservoir and now the wheels only turn slightly before I get a squeal like the steering is at the end of its travel range. I tried to disconnect the front end of the rams but the spindles are stuck in place. Is there a trick for getting them out other than a bigger hammer. Thanks
 

[Douglas Miner]

I switched the lines and the steering appeared to be working okay. I then topped off the reservoir and now the steering only moves a few inches then stops. I turn the wheel a little and I get a squeal from the steering pump. I tried to disconnect the steering rams but the spindles are stuck in place. Is there a trick for getting them out other than a bigger hammer? Thanks Doug
 

[Sean in PA]

You still haven't explained what you mean by "I switched the lines".
 

[Douglas Miner]

Sorry for not clarifying switched. I should have
said replaced 2 lines. I ended up bleeding the
lines at the steering ram and the steering works
fine now.