Snap ring pops out ford 3000 steering

[BamaPaul]

The power steering cylinder was leaking on my dads tractor so he took it off and gave it to someone to replace the seals on it. We get it on and it pops the snap ring out of the groove when you turn it hard left. Take it off again, this time I order all new seals and snap ring. Install everything and same issue, no leaks until I turn full lock left and then the snap ring pops out. I know the dead had pressure is what's pushing it out, but why? Is the groove worn? did I get the wrong snap ring?

 

[Bern]

Is the snap ring groove clean? Sometimes dirt will pack in the area where the original snap ring had a gap.
This happens often with u-joints.

Is the snap ring groove damaged at all? In other words, did something cause the groove to lose its depth or
width anywhere around the circumference that does not allow the snap ring to fully seat?

Carefully inspect the groove for dirt and/or damage all the way around its circumference. If all looks well,
there should be no good reason for it to pop out, unless of course the snap ring is the wrong size.

 

[Sean in PA]

The power steering cylinder

A 3000 with factory power steering should have two cylinders. Was it only one of them that was leaking, or does this tractor only have one cylinder? If it only has one cylinder then it is an aftermarket power streering system and parts for a factory cylinder probably aren't correct.

 

[BamaPaul]

The cylinder is the same as those that come on the 4000. I have scraped the groove out with a brush, but I'll try and use a pick and get it down around all the edges.

 

[Destroked 450]

That's a after market kit and it sounds like something is out of adjustment or not made properly.
On my 4000 the steering arm reaches max travel allowing the control valve to center before the cylinder deadheaded on ether end.
Also sounds like pump relief valve pressure may be to high.

 

[Bern]

That sure looks like a 4000 to me based on the appearance of the front bolster and rear trumpet housing.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 11:54:38 08/25/19) That sure looks like a 4000 to me based on the appearance of the front bolster and rear trumpet housing.

The lack of radius rod says 4000 as well. Plus, that early style p/s pump says it's a pre-10/68 4000.

 

[Destroked 450]

I was assuming he posted a photo of a 4000 steering cylinder as a reference, brother purchased a aftermarket kit for a 30000 that had the same style cylinder.

 

[BamaPaul]

I grabbed a pic from the internet, that's not our tractor. I'll get a picture of it today if it helps. Either way my point was it is a factory ford cylinder that has worked great up until the rebuild. It was dribbling it off the front before the rebuild and now the snap ring won't stay when fully locked to the left. No change to the pump, but I did swap in a new (to me but still very used)steering box while it was out.

 

[Hobo,NC]

Also inspect the lock ring it may be directional... One side will be flat the other have a site bevel.. Flat side out.

 

[BamaPaul]

Took the cylinder to an older gentleman today who had worked on ford tractors for 40 years. Laid the cylinder on the counter and he says without being prompted "that's the wrong snap ring". He turns around and pulls an ancient ford baggie off the shelf and told me these were the right parts and he would have it ready by noon. Apparently the new snap ring from the internet store is not the correct one and will slip out.

 

[Sean in PA]

(quoted from post at 20:27:33 08/27/19) Took the cylinder to an older gentleman today who had worked on ford tractors for 40 years. Laid the cylinder on the counter and he says without being prompted "that's the wrong snap ring". He turns around and pulls an ancient ford baggie off the shelf and told me these were the right parts and he would have it ready by noon. Apparently the new snap ring from the internet store is not the correct one and will slip out.

That's Jedi tractor repair right there.

This is not the snap-ring you are looking for.