1961 Model 671 SOS Manual Steering Sector Shaft Seal Leak

My VFW has a 1961 Ford, Model 671, with SOS and a manual All Purpose Type steering system. We use this tractor to pull a mower deck to cut our five acres of grass and push a little snow around with in the winter.
This past winter I found all four bolts securing the top of the steering box loose and backed out 1/4 to 3/8 inch allowing dirt and debris into the steering box and ultimately into the SOS transmission housing. I tightened all four bolts down and then drained the SOS transmission gear case and refilled with proper fluid. Steering was still out of adjustment as front wheels wobbled severely at even moderate speeds. Read procedure on tightening sector shafts of steering box. Adjusted each side about a 1/4 to no more then 1/2 turn and no longer have any shimmey even when in 10th gear. Now though we have transmission fluid leaking past sector shaft seals.
I was wondering if I could do the following one side at a time? Remove one pitmam arm and then go on the other side and remove the two bolts that secure that sector shaft end cover. Then could I push out that sector shaft attached to the sector shaft end cover so as to facilitate replacing the sector shaft seal and packing in the steering gear housing bore without having to remove the dash and steering column? I was hoping I could do this one side at a time. I understand this steering box is not under pressure but we by enough transmission fluid dripping past the seals and down the pitmam arms to were it is then puddling onto the foot boards. I hope this is possible because I am not looking forward to removing the hood, dash and steering column. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Martin
VFW 4931
Hilliard, Ohio

"[T]ransmission fluid leaking past sector shaft seals...." Are you certain?

Did you refill the steering gear box? With what?

The sector shaft seals can be replaced without removing the sector shafts if you know the trick. Post back with answers to the questions above.

You should also replace the filter in the S-O-S beneath the top cover but DO NOT attempt to remove the top cover without first reading and understanding the R & R procedures in a proper S-O-S manual.

Dean

Dean,

Thank you for the reply. As I understand it the steering box on the SOS is lubricated by splash from the SOS transmission. I guess the manual transmission tractors have a gear lubricant and are filled through the fill plug on the steering column. Please let me know if this is correct?
I understand also your concern about removing the SOS top cover. As of this time we have no transmission concerns I am staying away from that filter as we have a limited budget to maintain this tractor along with fear of the cable ends breaking or other problems with the control cables going through the cover.
The fluid leaking from the sector shafts is as clear as the new transmission fluid so I am assuming that is where it is coming from along with a comparable measure of fluid that the SOS reservoir is needing me to add fluid.
I was wondering if I could pull the pitman arm and use a small hook to pull out the old seal and retainer and install a new seal/retainer? I am assuming that is what you might be suggesting. Please again let me know as we are not farmers but very much like our old 671 SOS.

Martin

My 671D has a solid rubber gasket/membrane between the steering column and the transmission. There should be no fluid leaking from one to the other unless there is a hole in this gasket. The steering column should be basically self contained with it's own reservoir.

2 separate systems. Trans has gasket between it and steering. Get pourable grease such as cornhead grease to fill steering box. I wouldn't worry about filter cause not avaible anymore.

The early S-O-S filter is once again available from Dennis Carpenter.

$27.00. Cheap.

Dean

The steering gear box is NOT splash lubricated from the transmission but, rather, must be filled with proper lube.

I recommend CNH pourable high EP lube. Be sure to fill sufficiently to lube the upper thrust bearing, which is above the level of the fill plug.

Dean

Dean,

I called the local CNH Dealer and got the deer in the headlights look. Also visited Tractor Supply and NAPA with no luck. Any recommended brand, name, part number? Any help would be appreciated.

Martin

CNH markets pourable high EP oil in quart bottles but most dealers do not stock it (mine does at my request). I have part number on bottle at home but not here.

I've been told that dealers must order by case so it is highly unlikely if your dealer will order it if he does not stock it.

Snapper 00 grease is of similar viscosity and would be my second choice. Many folks use corn head grease from JD, MF, etc. Corn head grease would be a distant third choice.

Dean

Thank you for the information Dean! I had to settle for the JD lubricant. I was able to pump one 14 oz. tube into the fill plug before it started coming out the fill plug opening. I was wondering if I was to get a brass bushing and a grease zert threaded into the fill plug hole if that would be recommended to ensure I can get grease up above the fill plug? The manuals states 1.5 LBS. of lube so with only one tube of JD in there I am still short 10 oz. at the present time. Let me know please if you would recommend it.

You are only short if it was completely empty to start with, probably had some in there in places where it didn't want to come out of if you drained it.

You might try running it and turning around both ways a few times and then check it again, as it may work around and then be ready for a bit more.

Putting a grease fitting in place of the plug is the only way to go. Use a right angle zerk for easy access.
I do differ from some on here, as I just use a good grade #2 red grease in my steering box.
Keith