861 Steering problems/gearbox

M-Farm · Aug 14, 2015

Steering is very hard turning left, has that feel like the gears are bad or bearing, not only stiff but bumpy if that makes sense.

I assume they sell a complete rebuild kit or do I have to order all the pieces separate? What I saw online was a bearing kit, and then a seal kit separate, is that all I need?

OR, does this sound like the actual gears are bad and swap it with another one? I do NOT have time to mess around with this, I run about 20 gallons of gas per week through it and that is after working my full time job. I need to get it done as quickly as possible.

Sean in PA · Aug 14, 2015

Manual steering or power steering?

Have you tried jacking the front end up in the air to see if it turns any easier? You can also push and pull on the front wheels and the steering linkage when it's up in the air to see if there's any slop in the external linkage or spindles.

When you turn the steering wheel, do you notice the wheel moving up when turning in one direction and lowering back down when turning in the other direction?

M-Farm · Aug 14, 2015

Manual, have not jacked it up yet, since it is harder one direction then the other I don't think the spindles would be the cause. I am thinking the bearings are worn out, and the gears are getting in a bind when forced up or down whichever direction? causing the bind only in one direction. So if I jack it up and confirm, can I order a kit or do I have to piece it together, or is it just the 2 that I previously stated? seals and bearings? Is this a pain, are there a bunch of shims or something that I need after putting new bearings in like a rear end or is it pretty straightforward?

Dean · Aug 14, 2015

It sounds like the steering shaft upper thrust bearing is failing. It will get worse until you replace it and eventually you fill find turning left impossible.

Replace the upper thrust bearing and race. I replace the upper column bearing and the sector seals at the same time and fill the steering box with CNH pourable high EP lube.

Do not forget to set the bearing clearance with shims per the manual.

Dean

Dean

WayneIA · Aug 14, 2015

Sounds to me like you will not have patience or time to repair this gear box. Time for a complete rebuilt box. Google "John Smith Old Ford Tractors" He should be able to fix you right up. Of course it will take money. Looks like $325 to your door .But.!!!!!!

souNdguy · Aug 14, 2015

At a minimum, a thrust bearing, I'd do both and cups.

Ditto on the 0# lube dean mentioned

861 Steering problems/gearbox

M-Farm

Member

Sean in PA

Well-known Member

M-Farm

Member

Dean

Well-known Member

WayneIA

Well-known Member

souNdguy

Well-known Member

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