8n steering

[Johns599]

I have a 8n with loader. Noticing that steering seems to be getting more difficult. I see some threads of people converting to power. Just wondering if some common maintenance would help? But, other than greasing the fittings, don’t know what else to look at. Any wisdom?

 

[Jim L WA]

The loader is obviously hard on the steering. Make sure it gets lubed well and the steering box has enough oil and the tires are inflated. It always helps to get the tractor moving before steering.

 

[soaked]

Hi Johns599,
Suggest you lift both front tires off the ground, then turn the steering wheel, looking to see how hard, or easy it turns without weight.
Tractor's weight up front sits on a thrust bearing on each side, and spindles have upper and lower bushings that need grease.
FO-4 manual has parts diagram.

 

[MeanGene1]

Stand back and look at the front tires, do they seem to have a lot of camber? Gramps had an 8N with a Wagner step-thru that did a few years loading lime before he sold the business, 900 lbs per bucket. It was a great runner with the Mercury flathead piston mod, but a beyotch to steer- the front axle had a definite swayback from the abuse from loading lime

 

[Barry in ON]

Stand back and look at the front tires, do they seem to have a lot of camber? Gramps had an 8N with a Wagner step-thru that did a few years loading lime before he sold the business, 900 lbs per bucket. It was a great runner with the Mercury flathead piston mod, but a beyotch to steer- the front axle had a definite swayback from the abuse from loading lime

MeanGene could you elaborate on the Mercury piston Mod? It sounds very interesting. Thanks
Barry

 

[MeanGene1]

MeanGene could you elaborate on the Mercury piston Mod? It sounds very interesting. Thanks
Barry

It was pretty common "back in the day", you could use Mercury flathead pistons by removing the sleeves, made the engine size slightly larger and was cheap

 

[Jim in LA]

The pivot pin for the front axle is probably worn, could also be dry axle spindles/worn spindle bushings, or steering box needs attention. My ‘ 51 was hard to steer when I bought it,(over sized truck tires didn’t help matters) pivot pin and bushing and proper tires made some difference, all new bearings in the steering box and fill with gear oil made it like new again.

 

[docmirror]

There's really no 'fix' for 8N with loader steering issues. I had one for 3 years, and fought the battle finally found a 601 with rare power steering and moved the loader over to that. You can buy a PS kit for the 8N but it's pricey. Either put up with harsh steering, box repairs, bushings replaced, etc or get a bigger tractor and retrofit the load to that. I actually put my brush hog on the back and put a large bucket of water on the hog deck to try to lift the front, but it didn't improve much if at all. The 8N was never made for a loader, and it's rough on the steering.