JD 70 POWER STEERING

[Glen in Iowa]

Seems like I fight the straight ahead or neutral position. Some tests I have done: main pump flow is 5.2 gallon per minute at 1000 psi and oil at 150 degrees. It does seem to warm up rather quick. Worm end play is .0015 in. Worm backlash is is 3/8 inch measured at steering wheel full left, full right, and center. The steering worm helix adjustment seems unclear. The book says to move actuating sleeve laterally. That means front to rear to me. Tightening or loosening the screw with 7/8 socket makes no measureable difference with a dial indicator. What have I missed? THANK YOU

 

[Bob]

Have you tapped the steering valve fore and aft (with the bolts slightly loosened, as the shop manual instructs) to find a neutral center point where the steering will stay without fighting you?

If that doesn't help, the helix area of the worm the operates the valve actuating fork may be damaged/chipped/worn.

 

[LarrySTN]

I know the book calls for the worm end play. I have always been aggravated with the two cylinder power steering, until I decided end play made no sense. Now my putt putt power steering tractors steer very well and finding neutral is much easier. With end play the movement fore and aft during steering is contrary to the valves movement, so I preload the steering worm about .002" and the power steering works perfect once the actuator inside the worm is set right and the valve is centered. Never again will I set one up with end play.