3000 steering and hydraulic issues

[Fordlost]

I have a 1975 Ford 3000 that I’ve operated for a few years. I’ve not been able to use the hydraulics for a few years, but honestly, this is a bush hogging tractor and I’ve never had to deal with hydraulics much anyway. It’s been a good tractor and I’ve not had much in the way of trouble with it. Last year while Bushhogging I found a sink hole and very nearly turned the tractor over. Had to have a neighbor bring his tractor and pull me back out and ever since then there has been a significant leak that appears to be power steering related. I’ve not run the tractor very much since then. Trying to get a look at what the problem might be today. I took the sheet metal off and this is what I found: I suspect that is not supposed to be in two pieces.
I’m not even 100% sure whether I have the right name for what I’m looking at, I’m assuming that the brake is in the steering gearbox. This tractor does have power steering, but I would not be opposed to going to manual steering if that was the cheaper option. I don’t have a lot of budget to work with and my best option for an alternative tractor while this one is down was my dad‘s old one that didn’t pan out for its own reasons.

What part am I looking to replace here, and anybody have a ballpark figure for what the parts should cost?

 

[Sean in PA]

The official part name, according to the parts drawing, is the Steering Column. It is upper housing of the steering gear. The part number is E0NN3C529BA. It is no longer available new. Before trying to find one at a salvage yard and simply replace the broken part, I recommend that you disassemble it to see what internal parts might also need to be replaced. With that part cracked in two like that, there are bound to be at least a few. You might also check the salvage yards for complete power steering gear assemblies, or possibly find someone who sells rebuilt units. You can also find after market assemblies on ebay.

 

[Ultradog MN]

Sea

The official part name, according to the parts drawing, is the Steering Column. It is upper housing of the steering gear. The part number is E0NN3C529BA. It is no longer available new. Before trying to find one at a salvage yard and simply replace the broken part, I recommend that you disassemble it to see what internal parts might also need to be replaced. With that part cracked in two like that, there are bound to be at least a few. You might also check the salvage yards for complete power steering gear assemblies, or possibly find someone who sells rebuilt units. You can also find after market assemblies on ebay.

Sean, Hard to see stuff on this phone but I think that part is available. $230
Fordlost, If I'm correct about what part is broken, replacing the steering column with a manual one might not be a bad option.
PS, I strongly suggest you add your location.
Might be someone near you who can help.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-3000_Power-Steering-Block_D9NN3N748AA.html

 

[Fordlost]

Hopefully it is not just my wishful thinking, but it does appear to be the block that is broken. Here is another angle.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I don't know your skill level but those steering colums can get complicated.
PS is great to have but if this is an occasional use tractor - and considering the price of that part, you might consider a new non PS column.
I've never installed one of these and I'll bet it is a cheap china made job but it might be worth considering.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/306853442339?_skw=ford+3000+steering+box&itmmeta=01KS2KMVNC0WZ95D413TRFQKF0&hash=item4771e3f323%3Ag%3AMrQAAOSwGulhu35X&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAAA0GfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xA0YCvs1Sgp%2BNrkEytamBsfTMiEbqxMmp%2BFNjx7%2FkpJnYyVWj84j6zUVd%2Figed9793z3LRtrmvl1bKXz%2BC4YG%2FE3V%2BhDVRvDdSgzZIH5RXk2Efs6jRPpjjCdXOHw%2B%2Bs7bLQAEosk%2FvAzv9EIF%2B79KXs8u1ouinyy2Ju5NTtHJRkySWqBB4tVropujG9XwxsIQeEIzD7kyusJrK%2FvXNZ4%2F6SZAH2nzh4VHAVGpOqoAaVdplObqJT%2Ft1Q76KT23mSwxU%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR_C609PIZw&keyword=ford+3000+steering+box&sacat=0&relatedSearch=true

 

[Fordlost]

Pricing is not bad on that one, and I don’t have to have power steering, but one thing I have no idea about is if I converted it to manual steering gearbox, what else has to happen on the tractor, to keep from messing anything else up?

 

[Destroked 450]

It’s a bit of a job replacing that broken steering block but that’s what I’d do, catch a tire in a hole with manual steering and steering wheel kick back can be a real thumb breaker
If you do convert you’ll need to remove the steering cylinders and ps pump, then install a block off plate on the engine
Do not toss any of the old parts as there’s Al way someone looking for them, even the lines

 

[Hobo,NC]

I'm pulling it apart and fixing it. If the Power steering shaft and ball nut assembly is not bent it will not cost that much more to repair and you have POWER STEERING : )

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-3000_Power-Steering-Shaft-and-Ball-Nut-Assembly-After-1964_D6NN3A710A.html

 

[Sean in PA]

Sea
Sean, Hard to see stuff on this phone but I think that part is available. $230
Fordlost, If I'm correct about what part is broken, replacing the steering column with a manual one might not be a bad option.
PS, I strongly suggest you add your location.
Might be someone near you who can help.

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-3000_Power-Steering-Block_D9NN3N748AA.html

Ultradog - That's not the original Ford part. It is after market. It says "replaces" a couple of different part numbers.

 

[Fordlost]

I finally have a little time to try to tackle this. I can tell the steering wheel has to come off to remove everything else, but I don’t see any way of even doing that first step. Most of what I have seen online there is a nut in the center of the steering wheel. Mine does not have that, it has a solid plastic cap where everyone else seems to have the exposed nut. Any thoughts?

 

[Hobo,NC]

pop the cap off

 

[Vito]

I finally have a little time to try to tackle this. I can tell the steering wheel has to come off to remove everything else, but I don’t see any way of even doing that first step. Most of what I have seen online there is a nut in the center of the steering wheel. Mine does not have that, it has a solid plastic cap where everyone else seems to have the exposed nut. Any thoughts?

Are you sure that cap doesn't pop off? I have changed the seals that always leak a couple of times . Always a nut under the cap. Getting the wheel off can be a pain sometimes. Used a pulley puller the last time. Replaced the wheel as it was worn

Vito

 

[Fordlost]

Are you sure that cap doesn't pop off? I have changed the seals that always leak a couple of times . Always a nut under the cap. Getting the wheel off can be a pain sometimes. Used a pulley puller the last time. Replaced the wheel as it was worn

Vito

Cap did pop off. I got the nut loose and I was able to get the steering wheel off. More specifically the **** thing hit me in the face as I was pulling it off after hitting the bolt a few good whacks.

Now I’m looking at getting the sheet metal off and see about removing the old power steering column

 

[Sean in PA]

More specifically the **** thing hit me in the face as I was pulling it off after hitting the bolt a few good whacks.

The trick is to leave the nut on the threads, just a few threads at the top. That way when the steering wheel busts loose, the nut will keep the wheel from hitting you in the face. Then, once the wheel is loose, remove the nut and then the wheel.

 

[Vito]

Cap did pop off. I got the nut loose and I was able to get the steering wheel off. More specifically the **** thing hit me in the face as I was pulling it off after hitting the bolt a few good whacks.

Now I’m looking at getting the sheet metal off and see about removing the old power steering column

Like Sean said or sit on the seat and use your knees for pressure . Tap with hammer while duties.

Vito

 

[Fordlost]

What all has to come off to remove the power steering column?

 

[Vito]

What all has to come off to remove the power steering column?

Instrument console, lower sheet metal if still there, throttle rod. The fuel tank is bolted to it if I remember correctly. Disconnect the power steering lines and steering arms if I remember correctly. It's a process but not that difficult.

Hope this helps

Vito

 

[Fordlost]

Instrument console, lower sheet metal if still there, throttle rod. The fuel tank is bolted to it if I remember correctly. Disconnect the power steering lines and steering arms if I remember correctly. It's a process but not that difficult.

Hope this helps

Vito

Thanks. I took the two lower pieces off, and took the hood off. No idea how to remove instrument panel, throttle rod or fuel tank. Starting to get beyond my abilities I’m afraid probably need to call it quits on this project

 

[Hobo,NC]

You can completely disconnect the wires at the back of the instrument panel are disconnect the bulkhead connector under the hood that's what I would do. The instrument panel does need to be pulled back to get the fuel sender wire off the fuel sender, and take the tack cable off. You will need to remove just the ignition switch from the dash also let it hand... BTW remove the ground wire from the battery first.

Throttle, it has a nut at the bottom 9/16 remove it work from there. I don't remember having to take the fuel tank off. I may have on the last one because I rebuilt the complete steering box and just wanted it out of my way.

 

[a49deere]

Thanks. I took the two lower pieces off, and took the hood off. No idea how to remove instrument panel, throttle rod or fuel tank. Starting to get beyond my abilities I’m afraid probably need to call it quits on this project

Youtube is your friend! There a couple of videos of a steering shaft being repaired on 1000 series tractors! take it slow, take plenty of pictures.