Power Steering

[Gene-Wis]

I have a 1975 Ford 2000 3cyl. The power steering will sometimes lock up when turning to the right. It makes loud cracking sound when you pull hard to break it loose. Just does this once in awhile. Other wise it works fine. Any ideas from anyone would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

 

[9001ron]

If that is an open station tractor --- or one without a canopy over head you may have gotten rain water into the upper bearing under the steering wheel. From what you are describing it sounds like a bad ball bearing that is locking up from the balls jamming . I had to fix a massy once where the upper bearing was seized solid Hope it is an easy fix like this . Perhaps you can hear the bearing screach or catch if you listen with the motor off?

 

[9001ron]

Forgot to mention -- perhaps you can shoot some WD-40 in there and if it gets much better you have found the problem . Be careful -- if it jams when in a tight situation it could cause you to run into some thing and the pic will wind up on this board for display.

 

[Gene-Wis]

Thanks 9001ron.It has always been shedded, so no rain. It has to be in the power steering unit or something. Sometimes it turns hard to the right and then again it will lock-up.

 

[Gene-Wis]

9001ron, I found the problem. Took it completely apart and the needle bearing on the bottom of the steering shaft, the last thing you can take apart, had failed completely. Thanks for your help.