TO 30 Steering

[Eric Lee Peltier]

I have a 53 or 54 TO 30 and today I was using it and all of a sudden the steering works going right but not turning left. It turns perfectly normal turning rut nut I can not turn left at all. Does anybody have an idea of what is going on. I have owned this tractor for 2 yrs now and this is the first problem I have had.

 

[Jerry/MT]

Something probably failed in the steering box. Jack up the front axle and see if it turns without load on the wheels.

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

I would think that if a tooth broke off the geer it wouldnt work either way but it still freely turns one way (without slop or points where it catches). If it turns freely with the load off the front axle then what would possibly be the problem. I will go check in a few.

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

Ok I just jacked up the front wheels and it still wont turn without a load on the wheels. Also the steering arm on the left side of the steering box (as sitting in the seat) has a wobble to it. Is it possible the bearing broke on that steering arm. Also the fluid was a little low in the steering box but no more than an inch at most.

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

From Looking at a search of similar problems on here I am guessing I am going to have to take the steering box apart. My question now is who sells the internal parts as it looks like this site doesnt sell the internal components. Also if anyone has a stash of these parts sitting in their barn let me know.

 

[Jerry/MT]

The steering shaft runs on bearing and the steering arms run on bushings. My guess is that a steering shaft bearing failed. The bushings may also be worn.

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

So what kind of can of worms am I about to open up by tearing this apart. I looked in my owners manual and there isnt much in there other than a basic diagram/ picture. Unfortunately I dont have a repair manual either. I am very mechanical but have never worked on something like this before so what is the best route to start with it. From the looks I have to take the dash and battery bracket off, am I correct?

 

[Jeff-oh]

There are a couple of possibilities.

1ST Theses are very simple parts. It is just a shaft with a gear on the end and two sector gears.

It may be as simple as one of the side load nut backed off and the sectors are too loose.

Do you have any side slop in the arms in the box?

Here are some internal steering gear pictures. Looking from the bottom.

Please see my e-mails, I do not have much time right now but will over the weekend to help.
Jeff

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

So would it be a good idea to just order the bushings and the steering shaft bearings?

 

[Eric Lee Peltier]

Ok I have everything taken apart except the dash off but the dash and stearing box are off and the gears apear to be good. I need to finish taking it apart to be sure but it appears to either be the bearings in the shaft or the shaft gear. I guess it is a blessing in disguise as I had other repairs to do and taking everything apart gives me access to those repairs as well

 

[Jerry/MT]

Never having worked on one, I can"t say. but it"s not like your working o thre Space Shuttle! Try an archive search and seriously consider getting a Ferguson Shop Manual( ebay, the parts people on this site, etc) and a Parts Manual. They"ll pay for themselves quickly.

 

[WoodenNickle]

I've got the same symptoms with a TO35. The steering gearbox probably ran out of oil, allowing the bearings to run dry, which destroys the bearing lands AND the bearings. When they collapse, the steering shaft turns freely to the left, raising the shaft out of the gearbox. Just maybe you don't have any wear on the shaft. In this case, replacing the bearings will cure it. IF you have a lot of free play in the steering when you re-assemble it, you'll probably have to replace the steering shaft (about $200). Running it with a lot of free play will result in destroying the new bearings! I'm currently trying to do a work-around to get rid of the free play without having to buy a $200 part.