Leaking Sector Arm

[Rush-N]

Any tricks or information to repairing the leak I have running along the backside of the pictured Sector Arm. I have the Dust Felt Seal (8N-3585), 1 Piece Retainer and Seal (8N-3591-B) and the Steering Gear Pitman Shaft Bushing (8N-3553). Tightening the big nut only slowed down the leak. The leak is small but annoying. Anything else it could be? Thanks, Rush

 

[new2ns]

first do you have any shaft play?..if so you need to replace the bushing and check the shaft for wear. If no shaft play is present remove nut and arm, replace seal ( personally when I replace the seal I slightly pack the back of the seal with wheel bearing grease ( just a small ammount behind lip) lube the shaft then install the seal with sealer (I use locktite bearing and flange sealer)on the outside edge . then install dust seal.
In my experiance 9 out of 10 times bushing is worn causing excessive play and then the seal leaks.
hope this helps..
cheers

 

[Rush-N]

Thanks for the response. My steering works great and has NO play, just an annoying leak. Is the Sector Arm and Seal pressed on? If so, any suggestions to remove the arm without damaging the paint. Thans, Rush

 

[Ramrod]

Do you have JD Corn Head grease in there?

Ramrod

 

[new2ns]

Best of my memory its a taper fit, don't think you can get her off with out chipping the paint some...but try turning the nut off using a hand wrench or scocket but do not use a air wrench.....unless you have an auto motive bearing type puller... take something like a block of wood and get on the back edge of the arm and whack it with a hammer somtimes just a tap on the end of the shaft (use block of wood)..sometimes they just pop off sometimes not.... just take it slow and use tape and a rag or two may help....protect it where you can...

cheers

 

[Rush-N]

This is the fluid that came with the tractor when I got it so I am not quite sure if it has the Corn Head Grease, but probably not since it is leaking. I do have the Corn Head grease on hand and will replace after my repairs. Will most of the fluid be drained when I make the repairs? Thanks, Rush

 

[Anonymous-0]

The steering arm is a tapered splined fit, there are 2 seals to replace,it would be easier to wipe the oil off from time to time.

 

[Genr8rs]

My 49 8N serial # is 162821 that is on the motor. I have this leaking pitman arm problem also. I just refilled the gear box with 90W gear fluid and is leaking both sides. It will probably stop once it reachs the lower level of the pitman arm seal.
Would the gearing still have enough oil to remain lubed? Also the assembly drawing included clearely shows there are 2 seals on each side with different numbers, #3585 and #3591. These come up at suppliers as the same part with same dimensions. Are there 2 on each side, and then the felt dust seal?

 

[Hobo,NC]

My 49 8N serial # is 162821 that is on the motor. I have this leaking pitman arm problem also. I just refilled the gear box with 90W gear fluid and is leaking both sides. It will probably stop once it reachs the lower level of the pitman arm seal.
Would the gearing still have enough oil to remain lubed? Also the assembly drawing included clearely shows there are 2 seals on each side with different numbers, #3585 and #3591. These come up at suppliers as the same part with same dimensions. Are there 2 on each side, and then the felt dust seal?

From this site

This Steering Sector Retainer Seal is used on Ford Tractors 1949 to 1964. Measures 1.125 inch I.D., 1.442 inch outside diameter and 0.200 inch wide. It replaces 8N3585, 8N3591, 8N3591A, 8N3591B, D5UZ3591A, D5UZ3591B Reference ID: 8N3591B

https://www.yesterdaystractors.com/Ford-8N_Steering-Sector-Retainer-Seal_8N3591B.html

I have never been into the old style box. The latter uses one seal its a thick seal the replacement seals are thin two of those seals equal the thickness of one original seal. For insurance I install two of the thin seals on each side then the felt dust washer. I then fill it with 000 grease commonly know as corn head grease.

 

[Genr8rs]

Thank you. 2 Seals each side it is, then the felt dust seal.

 

[Jim in LA]

I replaced bearings and seals in my '51 last spring and it still leaks. I installed only one seal per side and did not replace the bushings. It makes quite a mess over time. I am making a shopping list for (4) new seals and new bushings and felts.