Ford NAA Steering Box Question

Hiney · Jun 15, 2015

I have just purchased a new to me 1954 NAA. With the tractor not moving the steering wheel is really hard to turn. I know that it doesn't have power steering and will be harder to turn when not in motion, but it turns much harder than our 8N's or 860. When moving it still seems to take a lot of effort to steer. Anyone have any ideas what could be causing this issue? How much force should be needed to turn the steering wheel with no drag lengths connected? We have torn the front axle apart and the support pin and bushing are badly worn. Could this contribute to the hard steering condition? Any recommendations are welcomed.

Thanks,

Hiney

Royse · Jun 15, 2015

Hiney, it shouldn't steer any harder than your 8N.
Unless you have a loader on it or something similar.
Dried up grease in the gear box, bad bearings, over tightened?
Have you tried taking the weight off the front end with a jack
to see if that helps it steer easier?

souNdguy · Jun 16, 2015

Ditto what Royse said.

It should turn like your other fords.

If you hav ehte draglinks off, and it is hard to turn, bad bearings or overtight backlash adjustment.

some people think they can adjust thrust play out with backlash adjustment.

Hiney · Jun 17, 2015

Royse/Soundguy,

Thanks for the replies. Taking the weight off the front of the tractor did cause it to steer a little easier. I will have to check the backlash adjustment. When you mention thrust play, are you referring to the steering wheel moving up and down in the steering shaft?

Royse,

I noticed in one of your posts in a different thread you made mention of being from Michigan. Where about in Michigan do you reside?

Thanks,

Hiney

Royse · Jun 17, 2015

Yep, Michigander. I'm about 7 miles North of Ionia.
Probably a couple hours away from you I would guess.

I missed your question about how much effort it should take
with the drag links disconnected. Basically none.
There is some friction of course, but one finger would turn it.

You can push/pull one of short pitman arms with one hand and
turn the steering wheel from lock to lock with them disconnected.

If you find anything horribly wrong in that steering box,
I have a good used one I would sell fairly reasonable.
There's not much in there that can't be fixed, but sometimes
it can be quicker, easier and cheaper to swap them.

Ford NAA Steering Box Question

Hiney

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Royse

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souNdguy

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Hiney

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Royse

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