Ford 6610 Steering Column Oil Leak

Ron Stazick · Feb 14, 2010

Just bought a 1983 Ford 6610 and finally got to use it. After about 1/2 hour use I noticed some oil on top of the transmission under the steering column. After removing the shroud. Oil is comming from a small weep hole (?) above the seam where it bolts together. Pretty heavy, I am assuming hydraulic oil.
Am I looking at a seal gone bad or worse?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Flurette Farm · Feb 14, 2010

I don't know if you mean the oil was heavy or the flow is heavy either indicate a problem but probably not a crisis.
There is a relief valve inside there and that is probably what is leaking. It might be leaking from deteration of the seals or it may be popping to relieve pressure on the system or it may have just weakened over the years. This valve is accessible without having to remove the steering motor from the tractor. The weep hole is of course to drain oil when the relief valve pops.
If it were me the 1st thing I'd do is find out what type of oil is in there. Whatever it is drain and replace with good fluid. The system holds 4.4 pints. Some one may have put something in there that shouldn't be or it may just be a dirty system. The valve is adjusted by removing shims but don't do that until you find out what the actual problem is. Try these things before you pull your hair out. Good luck.....

Jerry/MT · Feb 14, 2010

I have integral powersteering(not hydrostatic PS) on my Ford 4610 and I had a leak in the steering colum right under the steering wheel. I noticed that in the maintenance manual, the power steering filter was supposed to be changed at 1000 hrs and I bought the tractor at 1200 hrs and it had 1600 hrs on it and I had never changed it. I changed the filter ($10.95 at NH) and the leak went away.

I figured that the filter restriction was restricting the pump output and causing the system pressure to rise forcing oil past the upper seal.

Ron Stazick · Feb 18, 2010

I am sort of working in the dark. Kind of new at this. I ordered a service manual and hope it can explain the steering column and possible filters to change. I have only had the tractor a couple of weeks but due to the weather have only used it briefly. I don't want to run it very long with a chance of running out of oil.
I have been reading about using ATF fluid.
I have been reading posts and it seems the motor is expensive.
I emailed the dealer I bought it from and have not heard anything for 2 days now. I am hoping the dealer I bought it off can work something out.
I heard they were reputable before I bought it, we'll see.

Thanks,

Ford 6610 Steering Column Oil Leak

Ron Stazick

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Flurette Farm

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Jerry/MT

Well-known Member

Ron Stazick

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