830 John Deere Power Steering

[Richard Kinney]

This is a 1959 model 830. I just completed an overhaul of the power steering unit because it leaked like a sieve. I replaced all of the "O" rings and "wipers". The pump still has very good pressure. And, when I got it all back together, it appears to work OK with no leaks.

But when I turn the steering wheel either left, or right; the powere steering takes the wheel all the way over that direction and I can't hold it anywhere in the center. Then, when I try to turn it back the other direction, it will eventually release and take the steering all the way over in that direction and do the same thing.

This power steering has not been working on this tractor for a long time. Do you think the problem is in actuary valve assembly...just being sticky and needing to be thoroughly cleaned? Or, maybe the valve acutating arm is bent, or out of place.

The power steering unit does take the fron wheels all the way left and right the way it should. So, I'm thinking it is all lined up properly.

I'm hoping that I don't have to remove the steering worm assembly again. Since I didn't do anything to that unit, I'm hoping that nothing should need adjustment in that unit.

 

[Mike M]

I'm going to say that the problem IS in your worm and actuator sleeve assy. These have adjustments and pins that wear out and cams that wear and notch for the pin that splits and at the very least the corner breaks off the edge.
Read and study SM2050 ? I think is the # on the power steering systems.

 

[Richard Kinney]

Thanks Mike! I'll give it a try. I'm going to start by only taking off the actuating valve assembly, look at he arm and worm gear, and check the valve and springs.

I'm hoping I don't have to take that steering worm out again because you have to take 1/2 of the tractor apart to get it removed.

Since this tractor has been professionally finish painted, I'm not liking that thought again.

 

[Mike M]

From my experiences with those later "improved design" systems if you have not yet totally disasembled the worm and actuating sleeve you are going to have too. I have yet to see one that at least didn't have worm cam faces and the corner broken off the worm pin slot which can be repaired. Several have had a split worm down through the keyway.Which requires replacement.

 

[Richard Kinney]

Larry,

You were surely right about the problem...a chip out of the worm gear, were it connect with the cam.

Any idea if these parts are available "new" through John Deere part, or where. I have located a complete used unit, including the actuating valve assembly, and together in the steering column. So, if it works OK it would not need to be re-set..the risk is..is this one in adequate condition.