Ford 3000 Steering

[morekick]

I honestly don't know how I've been able to steer my 1966 3000, given what I've found. No wonder it's been steering easier to the right lately, and that left turning has been getting more difficult.

I'm going to try to attach 4 images. Steering failed on me earlier today (never a good time for that to happen huh). Disassembling I got all the way to the steering box and shaft, and there's no bearing either at the top or bottom of the shaft.

Should there be?

There is the remains of a bushing at the top of the steering box, and a couple pieces that tore off the top of this bushing (I think). Turning the steering wheel to the left caused the shaft to come right up out of the lower assembly.

I think that's because there was nothing holding the shaft in position in a left-hand turn?

Anyway, looking for your advice. In the diagram I think I need 38 (seal), 17 (bearing - 2), 18 shim (maybe - there are 4 shims already), and 10 (ring - replaced?).

Please double-check me. I'm also looking for the best procedure to install the needed parts. Appreciate your expertise and thanks in advance.

 

[stevob671]

Number 17 shows only 1 required- it is the bushing at the top. You need #10 bearing and 16-cup for above the worm shaft, and I would also replace the lower bearing #9 and cup #2 on the bottom of the worm shaft. As long as it's apart change the arm seals and o-rings so it doesn't leak and wind up loosing the new bearings. Should last another 50 years!

 

[Hobo,NC]

I can not help I will add...

I gave my new to me 1970 2000 to my S.I.L. I bowed up my chest as I was rat proud I had taken care of all the oil leaks. He happed to ask then whuts' that on the side of the tractor (a big black oil/stain) I said that's the oil that ran from the steering sector when I pumped it full of grease. (I added a zerk to the fill plug) I made it clear that's an acceptable oil leak and one you want to see till the end of time.

 

[morekick]

Well I'm still at it. I replaced both the upper and lower bearings (the race at the bottom is still in good shape). Had to replace the front sector shaft also due to my mechanic buddy breaking off the retaining 'ears' from the end of the shaft. A new one's installed.

I believe I messed up by not following the service manual's procedure to determine what shims are required to pre-load the bearings at the top and bottom of the ball screw. So after I had the tractor all buttoned up I went to drive it back under the carport -- and the steering lasted maybe a minute before shelling out again. Disassembly again.

I dug out the remains of both bearings from the sump, and all 22 rollers (2 bearings x 11 rollers each, P/N 8N3571). So I'm ordering new bearings and will make the final repair when those arrive.

Questions:

It looks like the casting itself (the inside 'ledge') goes over and retains the upper bearing, and the lower bearing rests in the lower race. Correct?

Looks like I pre-load the bearings by shimming the column 'box' casting just enough to allow the bearings to function but NOT enough to allow the ball gear shaft to move to the rear, correct?

Because I had too many shims - plus a likely somewhat worn ball gear shaft, where the upper bearing rides - I think what I actually did was I allowed the ball gear shaft to move out of the gear mesh of the center sector shaft toward the rear, and the bearings shelled out. Does that sound right?

When I had the lower end shafts' side retaining plates off, the gears mesh perfectly. With the column 'box' casting still mounted I rotated the steering wheel and saw that the ball gear shaft moved right out of the center sector shaft teeth and to the rear, and the shaft was actually moving upward. Is my idea good, that I gave it too much room?

This parts diagram shows the upper bearing but not the lower -- I assume it's not the same as mine (please double-check me):
https://www.messicks.com/NH/137981?sectionId=284588&diagramId=1048426

Any tips you can offer will be very much appreciated. I'd really like to put this together just one more time.

Thanks fellas.

Here's a diagram from the service manual (although my sector shafts have 2 less teeth than these):

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This post was edited by morekick on 01/08/2023 at 04:06 pm.