1955 Ford 600 steering problem

[Barry Cribb]

I have a 1955 Ford 600 series tractor with a bucket loader on the front and its very hard to steer. The tractor has power steering but apparently it is not working correctly. Turning to the left it binds up but turning to the right it turns sharp. When turning it seems like one wheel is fighting against the other. The power steering pump seems to be ok,its pumping fluid to the steering box.Its very agrivating to use the tractor like this. Is it normal for a tractor to be this hard to steer that has the bucket loader on the front?

 

[old]

Well think about it. A loader adds 1500 or so lbs to the tractor and most of it to the front end so yep makes them steer hard. Ya problem with the power steering could be a number of things. Clogged up system or bad/dirty fluid or even the wrong fluid
Hobby farm

 

[Wayne IA]

I have been messing with a factory PS on a 641 for the last 3 months or so,(I am awfull "busy" being retired)LOL anyway, finally found a broken tooth on the double geared left hand shaft in the steering gear box. The problems you discribe are similar, but not identical to what I had

 

[Barry Cribb]

Thanks. I have the steering box off so I'm going to take a look at it today. I hope its something simple and not complicated. Does your tractor steer easy now? I'm also retired and have time to work on it but I've never had a tractor so I want to have fun with it too.The way it is now is like trying to steer a big semi without power steering. Thanks for your reply.

Barry

 

[souNdguy]

In addition to checking hte box/thurst bearings.. jack the front end up and check the spindle bushings.. they take a beating from a loader and when they wear, allow the spindle to bind.

Same with the kingpin..

soundguy

 

[Wayne IA]

Don't want to use up a lot of space here on the board, There is a long story behind my problem as some of you might remember as I posted several questions two or three months ago. but as SouNduy said ,jack up the front end to check the thrust bearings and the spindle bushings. Also,check it with the PS cylinders unhocked from the tie rods. By the way, do you have an OEM power steering or and after market,like a Char-Lynn or Jackson or other?