front wheel shakes

[ThundermanND]

OK, for you smart guys, a little info is requested. I've mostly completed the restoration of my 8N Ford, however one little item is left. When I take my tractor down the road, the front left wheel wiggles when I hit a bump in the road, then straightens up. Does this every time I hit a bump. So I assume there is a bushing, bearing or something in the front wheel that needs replacing. Am I correct in that assumption.

Thanks

 

[HCooke]

First check the toe in. Should be 1/4 inch. If that is good jack up the front end and start shaking/willing thins until you find the problem. Drag links are a usual area. Also the radius rid can be loose in the back socket. Spindle bushings and bearings. Report back the findings.

 

[Charner (MS)]

I check every 8N I work on for toe end. My tool is a shower curtain rod. Put it at 3:00 on the front tire and set it by tightening it at that point. Do the same at 9:00 on the rear side. 9 out 10 times you will find it out of toe either in or out. Sound like have a toe out problem and possibly other issues.

 

[ScoutB]

I had the same problem. It turned out to be the axle nut was loose. I pulled the cotter pin and got another full turn on the castle nut just to snug it up. The previous owner was scared of a little preload I guess. No problems now even at a breakneck 15 mph on a washboard gravel road.

 

[ThundermanND]

Interesting thought. I'll check it first (after the 4th) and give it a try.

 

[ThundermanND]

I raised up the front end and on the side that wiggles and there is a little play in the wheel but not in the other side so am now thinking a bushing/bearing so will take it down to see what shape it's in. I need the tractor for a local parade in a month so want to get that fixed.

 

[ThundermanND]

Thanks, I sure will.

 

[fixmiester]

Not sure if an 8n has the same front spindle as my 9n, but I had the same problem; you could actually see the play when moving the steering wheel back and forth. The tie rod would move, but the left wheel didn't move the first 5-10 degrees! Turned out the tapered key at the top of the spindle was worn. Tried tightening it, but didn't last. Had to take it out and weld a few beads to fill in the wear grooves , then grind the tapered to smooth it up. (Couldn't find anyone that handled the keys separately.) Seems to have solved the problem; no more wobble.

 

[Bruce(OR)]

My fix will cost you about two cents. Hope you can afford it. Copper penny, I believe pre-1980 under steering stabilizer arm cap. Dab of silicone (RTV) to hold it in place while while you reinstall the ball socket sand tighten everything down. If you use grease, grease will not dry and attract grit. Grit will wear the socket out even faster.

 

[ZANE]

If the radius rod/s are bent so that they bow up in the middle it will take the caster out of the front spindle angle.

Zane

 

[David G]

It could be a lot of things, you have got suggestions for very specific things, need to diagnose it.

 

[Ken(Ark)]

To check the wheel bearings you need to jack it up so the tire is off of the ground . A loose bearing will shake the same when you grab it at the 9 & 3 O'clock position AND the 6 & 12 O'clock position . If there is no wiggle at 6 & 12 O'clock then move down the line to the next component .

A lot of times it can be a few little things that add up .

 

[ThundermanND]

Amazing what happens when the tie rod is tightened up. Good grief.