In Reply to: CABLE OVER HYDRAULIC STEERING posted by FORD 1871 NEW OWNER on April 20, 2014 at 07:15:01:
I've learned quite a bit about them over the last year since I bought one. The previous owner claimed the steering worked fine last time he used it, but I could not verify as the engine was in non-running condition. Well, you guessed it, the steering did not work. But I knew what I might be getting into before I bought it, and am committed to getting it working.
The system is essentially pretty simple. The steering cable actuates a spool directional valve (small shaft) integrated into the main steering cylinder that diverts oil to either side of the main steering cylinder piston. Center is neutral, pushed to one side extends the main cylinder, pushed to the other side retracts the main cylinder. When you stop turning the steering wheel, the valve centers and the main cylinder stops.
Not many parts are available for the steering system, though seals are still available for the cylinder. Replacing the seals helped mine quite a bit and now turns good when the tractor is moving, though it still struggles when not moving. Next step I will do is replace the king pins in the front end to reduce friction due to wear. But I think the final step will be to replace the power steering pump, as I suspect it is weak and not putting out enough pressure. Luckily the cable part of the system works fine.
One thing I've noticed is a little air in the system can cause big problems. Try jacking up the front end, filling the reservoir, and turning the wheels back and forth. Maybe this will help.
If you do decide to switch to the newer industrial steering, let me know as I might be interested in your old steering parts. Did have some pitting inside the cylinder tube, but had to reuse what I had since the tube is no longer available as far as I could tell.
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