Power steering problem

[Anonymous-0]

I have an 860 Ford tractor with power steering and it works well at high RPM'S but doesn't work good at an idle. It is not low on fluid.When I started using it this morning, the power steering worked good idleing What could be the problem ?

 

[Bob]

The pump MAY be worn out, or the filter may be clogged (located inside the pump housing, IIRC).

A change of oil couldn't hurt, either.

 

[Mike (WA)]

Any hydraulic system that works OK cold, but then tapers off when warmed up, is usually a sign of a worn pump (oil is thicker when cold, but when it warms up and thins out, leaks by the worn parts).

 

[Anonymous-0]

It never had a filter in it when I bought it. I tried to buy an assembly to hold the fiter in and you can't get them anymore.You can buy the filters at Ford .I sure would like to have a filter in there.

 

[Mike M]

No filter in there well you may of just found the problem ? That could of worn your pump out. Good news is I think there are plenty of aftermarket people selling those pumps maybe even new and they should come with a filter.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Are you using automatic transmission fluid in the power steering ? That used to be the standard steering fluid, but now most everything uses a fluid specifically formulated for power steering and it does a better job than ATF. Modern power steering fluid is quite a bit more viscous than ATF and often helps compensate for worn pumps. Might be worth a try before buying new iron.

 

[Anonymous-0]

I had new gaskets and seals put in the steering column last year and when I put new fluid in it ,I used Chevron ATF. It worked well until today.I'll try the power steering fluid. Thanks

 

[SparepartsTN]

My tractor didn"t have a filter either, but with pictures in the master parts catalog and the service manual, I made the missing parts with heavy galv. wire and flat washers.