John Deere B steering

[GREENSMOKESTACK]

I just bought a 1945 John Deere B restored tractor. It seems like the steering is extremely stiff. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions to make it a little eaier . It does have grease fittings on the tricycle front axel. Any suggestion?

 

[leroy in ne]

Check the steering gear box. It should have oil in it. It may be dry, filled with grease if seals leak or ok. I've used STP in steering gears before as it seems to be slicker than other products. Remember your power steering is by armstrong.

 

[Mark-Ia]

There is a eccentric gear at the top of the steering shaft that is adjustable. perhaps someone has tightened it too much to take the front wheel wobble out of it. Several Youtube videos that show adjustment procedures.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

There is a grease fitting down below as well don’t forget that just above the rollamatic if you have one that has seemed to help mine more than anything keeping that well greased. Sometimes the front steering shaft can be bent but a lot of times lubrication is the answer. Originally it would have been oil in the top of the steering column mine have mostly had a grease fitting adding pourable grease is also something I’ve done lately to keep the seals from leaking. There are little roller bearings on the steering shaft as well. The last resort especially if you want to use it that I have done to the couple that get used alot is switch to a steering wheel off an R. Gives more leverage.

 

[Rich'sToys]

There is a eccentric gear at the top of the steering shaft that is adjustable. perhaps someone has tightened it too much to take the front wheel wobble out of it. Several Youtube videos that show adjustment procedures.

That was my first thought.

 

[Loosehandle]

I just bought a 1945 John Deere B restored tractor. It seems like the steering is extremely stiff. Was wondering if anyone had any suggestions to make it a little eaier . It does have grease fittings on the tricycle front axel. Any suggestion?

Steer while your moving even if just rocking back and forth a little. How much pressure in front tires?

 

[JIM MN]

Yes, are your front tires pumped up Then check the top adjustment of the worm and sector. While there, put some lub in this housing. Then put about fifty pumps of grease into the bottom grease zerk. Takes a lot of grease to drop into that bottom bearing. If this does not work, you will need to tear down the steering, clean out the rust, free up the bushings.

 

[Pete in MD]

Keep the front tires pumped up to 25 psi. It's easier to steer when the tractor is moving as opposed to standing still.

 

[matthies]

I never seen a B/50 steer as easy as an A/60 for some reason.

 

[John in Ct]

Check the steering gear box. It should have oil in it. It may be dry, filled with grease if seals leak or ok. I've used STP in steering gears before as it seems to be slicker than other products. Remember your power steering is by armstrong.

The harder you turn, the easier it will steer.

 

[620 John]

Something quick and easy to try is loosen the two bolts holding the bearing cap for the worm gear. Loosen a couple of turns and then try the steering. It'll be a little more sloppy but will tell you if the worm gear bearings are set too tight or if they're full of rust/gunk.