Ok, yet another question! (and thanks for all the replies on the previous)...So when turning the wheel, the power steering want to turn the wheel all the way to the left if I turn left, or all the way to the right if I try to turn right. On its own it gravitates to one extreme or the other....pump or cylinder?
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
hmm...will have to investigate....thanksGuessing steering column. Too much play in the crush washer, or worn bearings?? But I have not been into a 4500 box.
Sean in PA
Well-known Member
The power assist cylinder is under the nose of the tractor on a 4500 and the control valve is in one end of the cylinder. The steering column is a manual steering box and all of the hydraulics for the power assist go from the pump up to the cylinder and back to the reservoir at the pump. The most likely culprit is that the linkage that is connected from the control valve to the bolster is worn so that the control valve isn't being controlled properly by the linkage. There are procedures in the service manual to adjust the linkage, but from the sound of it, something is too worn for the adjustments to do any good until the worn parts are repaired or replaced.
I am horrible at drawing mental pictures (and as you can probably tell not the best mechanic) but I think I get the jist of what you are saying...the tractor is unpowered right now so If I jack the front wheels up and turn the steering wheel (with no hydraulics naturally), I should experience a lot of play if this is the problem correct?
Sean in PA
Well-known Member
The steering linkage itself might not have any play. The play is in the linkage between the control valve at one end of the steering cylinder and the front axle support (most folks here call it the front bolster, but the proper name in the parts drawings is front axle support). The linkage that I am talking about are the parts labeled 22 through 28 in the parts drawing at the link below:
Link to parts drawing of 4500 front axle and steering
When you turn the steering wheel, the mechanical linkage from the steering column starts to move the manual steering linkage, which moves that control valve linkage and causes the control valve to open for flow into one side of the cylinder or the other. The linkage needs to be unworn and adjusted properly in order for it to work properly.
Link to parts drawing of 4500 front axle and steering
When you turn the steering wheel, the mechanical linkage from the steering column starts to move the manual steering linkage, which moves that control valve linkage and causes the control valve to open for flow into one side of the cylinder or the other. The linkage needs to be unworn and adjusted properly in order for it to work properly.
Sean,The steering linkage itself might not have any play. The play is in the linkage between the control valve at one end of the steering cylinder and the front axle support (most folks here call it the front bolster, but the proper name in the parts drawings is front axle support). The linkage that I am talking about are the parts labeled 22 through 28 in the parts drawing at the link below:
Link to parts drawing of 4500 front axle and steering
When you turn the steering wheel, the mechanical linkage from the steering column starts to move the manual steering linkage, which moves that control valve linkage and causes the control valve to open for flow into one side of the cylinder or the other. The linkage needs to be unworn and adjusted properly in order for it to work properly.
The linkage you speak of has no play when I grab and shake it. The cylinder itself has very little movement when I grab it by hand and shake. So I then watched the cylinder as I turned the steering wheel back and forth about a quarter rotation. Mind you there is no power; the hydraulic return line is disconnected and spilling fluid as I do this. What I see is the cylinder jostling about quite a bit. Dont think that is supposed to happen right? I cant get a good look as I cant be at both places and the same time. Going to get a helper to to turn the wheel so I can get a better look.
Last edited:
Sean in PA
Well-known Member
The cylinder is connected at both ends by pins that also go into holes. One of the common issues is the pin at either end, or both, is worn and the hole is wallered out. Something is not right with the cylinder, the control linkage or the adjustment. If you don't have one, get a copy of the service manual. That should have the procedures for disassembling and reassembling everything and adjusting the linkage.
Yep something aint right. Looking forward to some more "quality time" on this machine.The cylinder is connected at both ends by pins that also go into holes. One of the common issues is the pin at either end, or both, is worn and the hole is wallered out. Something is not right with the cylinder, the control linkage or the adjustment. If you don't have one, get a copy of the service manual. That should have the procedures for disassembling and reassembling everything and adjusting the linkage.
Sean in PA
Well-known Member
If the cylinder moves relative to the control linkage then that ends up having the same effect as the control linkage linkage being worn and loose.
We sell tractor parts! We have the parts you need to repair your tractor - the right parts. Our low prices and years of research make us your best choice when you need parts. Shop Online Today.
Copyright © 1997-2025 Yesterday's Tractor Co.
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any part of this website, including design and content, without written permission is strictly prohibited. Trade Marks and Trade Names contained and used in this Website are those of others, and are used in this Website in a descriptive sense to refer to the products of others. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy TRADEMARK DISCLAIMER: Tradenames and Trademarks referred to within Yesterday's Tractor Co. products and within the Yesterday's Tractor Co. websites are the property of their respective trademark holders. None of these trademark holders are affiliated with Yesterday's Tractor Co., our products, or our website nor are we sponsored by them. John Deere and its logos are the registered trademarks of the John Deere Corporation. Agco, Agco Allis, White, Massey Ferguson and their logos are the registered trademarks of AGCO Corporation. Case, Case-IH, Farmall, International Harvester, New Holland and their logos are registered trademarks of CNH Global N.V.
Yesterday's Tractors - Antique Tractor Headquarters
Website Accessibility Policy