Steering is Very hard

[Ruairc]

Ford 1952 8N

The steering has always been a bit stiff at very slow speeds but was ok at speeds in 2nd & 3rd gear.

Lately it has gotten to the point where its like a weight lifters test for arm curls.It almost lifts you off the seat.

All rods and connections appear ok and secure.

Any help will be appreciated.

Ruairc

 

[Tractoman]

Got any lube or grease in the box? The top bearing does not get much lube and if the box leaks and lube is low they get none. Many drain the gear oil and add zerk fittings and fill the box with cornhead grease. Check it out and see if you got any lube in there.
Good luck.

 

[Ruairc]

Tractor Man,

Thanks. I'll give it a try.

And no I have not lubed it since I bought itr.

Cornhead grease? Never heard of it, Any suggestions on whhat type of lube I shoulr use?


Thanks,

Ruairc

 

[Den N Ms]

Ruairc,
Your spindle thrust bearings and bushings are
1. dry
2.worn out.
3.froze up from the lack of lube
4. steering box dry or worn bearings
5.Use the grease gun,
6.I wonder how many N owners do not even own a
grease gun or use one?

 

[Den N Ms]

Ruairc,
Your spindle thrust bearings and bushings are
1. dry
2.worn out.
3.froze up from the lack of lube
4. steering box dry or worn bearings
5.Use the grease gun,
6.I wonder how many N owners do not even own a
grease gun or use one?

 

[Ruairc]

Thanks Den N Ms -- I'M GUILTY

 

[Tractoman]

Cornhead grease is really thin grease but not liquid. Your local JD dealer should have it. It's called "Cornhead Grease". It can be found online too.

 

[Allthumbs]

Jack the front until the wheels are off the ground and see how the steering is. Spindles may be worn or simply need some grease as mentioned.
I have filled a grease gun with STP and pumped it into the grease zert in the steering gear housing until it started to come from around the steering wheel. There is a bearing there and this way you know you lubed it.

 

[Bob]

Deere part # is AN102562, about $3.00 a tube, depending upon how greedy the local dealer is!

 

[Ruairc]

Allthumbs,

Thanks.

My problem now is locating the grease zert in the steering gear housing.

Can't find it on mine.

Ruairc

 

[Leemo]

There isn't a grease zerk in it unless a previous owner installed it. There should be a threaded plug on the side of the steering gearbox. You can replace the plug with a grease zerk if you want to use grease instead of the original 90 wt oil. Just a word to the wise. If you fill it with 90 wt oil be sure to park it where all of the oil running out of the leaky seals won't hurt anything. I know............

 

[rodney butler]

the gears for your steerin are in the transmition housing there for you cannot grease those the armatuers yes and the hubs if problem remains rolled gears in the transfer u should notice slight binding

 

[jon]

Being you gotta 52 there should be a screw on the front of the steering column to add oil. I guess you could thread a grease zerk in there?
Dunno if it would pass the bearing to get in the steering box though. I bet somebody around here has tried it.