Ford 641 Steering Popping

I have a 641 Ford with manual steering. The last time I used it, I noticed a slight popping noise coming from the steering wheel. It also was a little harder to turn to the left. I didn't drive it long as to not cause more damage. Is this just a low fluid level and if so how do I check & add fluid ? I can't find any good info in the manual I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated !!
 
If the steering wheel moves upward when turning left the top bearing is breaking up.Top bearing never gets much oil and water can get into the top bearing.Not an easy repair, cost about 30.00 in parts.
 
Patti, as Coupe indicated it sounds like the steering shaft bearings have finally given up.

I wouldn't say it's a difficult repair - Maybe time consuming because of everything you must remove to get to the steering box but once you get it on the bench it's a very straight forward job of replacing the worn parts - Usually just an upper race and roller and the bottom roller assembly - Bottom race can be difficult to remove and seldom really needs it. Remember this isn't a high speed assembly.

I would also recommend after rebuilding the box to fill it with corn head grease rather than 90wt. Drill/tap one of the thru bolts for a Zerk or buy one already converted.

Most I&T repair manuals will cover the steps for the procedure but post back if we can help you further.
 
I agree with Dollar Bill - it's not a difficult job. Those steering boxes are very simple mechanisms. You can do it on the tractor if you wish but I always take them off and clean the old oil and crud out of the bottom, put new sector seals in it and pump a couple of tubes of corn head grease in it afterwards.
 
(quoted from post at 05:25:50 07/13/13) Patti, as Coupe indicated it sounds like the steering shaft bearings have finally given up.

I wouldn't say it's a difficult repair - Maybe time consuming because of everything you must remove to get to the steering box but once you get it on the bench it's a very straight forward job of replacing the worn parts - Usually just an upper race and roller and the bottom roller assembly - Bottom race can be difficult to remove and seldom really needs it. Remember this isn't a high speed assembly.

I would also recommend after rebuilding the box to fill it with corn head grease rather than 90wt. Drill/tap one of the thru bolts for a Zerk or buy one already converted.

Most I&T repair manuals will cover the steps for the procedure but post back if we can help you further.
I just added a zerk fitting where the oil fill plug is.
Corn grease? Local term. Asked some farm guys here in Texas and they've never heard of it. I just used regular grease and pumped till it came out under the steering wheel.
 
but chassis grease is not appropriate for your steering box.

in 62 or so.. ford put out a service bulleting specifying a NLGI 0# grease. cornhead grease is a poly urea based 0# ep grease. quite ideal. You can also get ep 00 # greases from many sources.. like snapper dealers and stens lube dealers.

average every day chassis tube grease is nlgi 2# and will cavitate and make a hole around the parts needing the lube.. leaving only residual film ont he parts needing the lube.

better than dry and toasty.. but not as good as oil or light grease lubed.

as for the jd dealer. you'd be surprised. in days past you could walk in and get parts for MS carbs.. your pre 65 ford came with a ms carb. :)
 
Ah hah, now I know the type you are referring to.
I use it in my Sthil hedge clippers.
What you are saying now makes perfect sense.
I'll pick up a couple of tubes and purge out what's in there now.
 
if you add in that 0 or 00 lube.. which is what many lawn products dealer sell, that will be fine.

it will soften the #2 grease up and make a slurry.

just keep topping the 00/2 off with 00 and you should be good.

will matter not if ther eis still a slug of #2 against the wall taking up space. that might actually HELP seal the leacky sector seals and keep the 00 grease right around the ballnut where it should be.

just top her off now and then and she should be good.
 
Just picked up 3 tubes (gonna have fun), read the label and it states good for leaking seals also.
Thanks again Soundman, will pump and purge next week when I get back to the country.
 

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