JD 60 power steering

[jwuertz]

removing the steering spindle shaft from the gear on the shaft.
I have tried driving it down with a big hammer, but will not move,The shaft won"t drive through the quill. Any ideas, what works?
Thank you for any advice
 

[Mike M]

The shaft won't go through the quill until the power steering vanes are removed from it.
The gear needs to be loosened first. I remove the original bolt and install a long bolt that sticks up out of the top so you can get a good hit on it. Better if done while still in the tractor so gravity helps you. You may have to lift up on the gear and put some kinda blocks or wedges under it so you know it is not bottomed out down inside. Also measure the free play so you can adjust it right when going back together.
 

[jwuertz]

Where is the freeplay adjusted?
I have been cautious of hitting it too hard.
Didn;t want to mess up the shaft threads.
Wedge underneath the gear?
 

[Dan in Ohio]

Look though the pictures I have posted to see how I did it. Look for this paragraph:

Worked some more this evening, still cold though. Had a good idea after being unsuccessful getting the steering gear to come off. I made a wood box frame with a 6.5 inch square inside measurement. The spindle quill sits down inside and is supported well above a scrap of 2x12. This allowed the assembly to be firmly supported while I pounded on the pedestal from above to drive it down through the steering gear. Only a few sharp wraps were needed to loosen the the gear, then using the hoist the housing was lifted from the pedestal. Now to look closely at the parts for signs of wear and locate o-rings and seals.

This worked for me.
70 D power steering rebuild

 

[Dan in Ohio]

Jim,

Been rethinking what I had to do to get that gear loose. Notice the pieces of wood on the floor in the lower left of this pic.



I remember using the piece or 1x1 oak to get a hit on that gear from the under side, then used the short handled hammer you see on the floor and other piece of wood to hit the top of spindle.
 

[jwuertz]

Hi Dan, Mike, Thank you for the replies.

Mike, I had viewed your photos previously, it was very helpful, I made the 2x12 block to help with the removal, but just wont break loose.
Didn't want to hit too hard with the 2x2 block and 12lb sledge. I have raised the unit about 1 inch from the 2x12s with a chain
 

[jturbo10]

Looks very similar to the overhaul of my JD 50 which was leaking. Did not have any trouble with the shaft and pedestal. Most of the leakage on mine was due to the cork seal. When I replaced the vanes I also put in new pins as they get a lot of wear going back and forth and can get out of round. I show friends of the mine pictures of the steering pedestal and they can't believe how strong John Deere engineered the two cylinder steering setup. Guess that is why they can last for 50-70 years without rebuilding. Went to JD dealership and order a case of John Deere 2 cylinder power steering fluid and was good to go.
 

[jwuertz]

Thanks for the reply, just not sure what it will take to get the quills to break loose.
I think they must come loose as the shaft comes loose from the gear, right?? Maybe time for some heat.,
 

[Dan in Ohio]

Jim,

That gear is all that holds the spindle in place. Keep working at it, heating that gear might help.
 

[jwuertz]

Got it finally, with some heat on the gear.

Thank you, to all!!