Ford 5000 - Power Steering

jaybob · Jun 8, 2016

I have a 5000 diesel, it has the power steering reservoir under the hood. I have just purchased this, so don't know any of its history. I also noticed that steering is difficult. I can't turn sharp in either direction. Power steering does seem to work for a revolution or two of the wheel, and then it feels like it's binding up.

I was thinking maybe fluid levels might not be up to par, I consulted one of the 5000 manuals and it says to fill the PS up to neck (I assume now that it's talking about the pump/reservoir combined unit). I filled it up to the neck. Made no difference in operation at all and then when I turned the tractor off - PS fluid was spraying out from the cap of the reservoir.

Does anyone have experience with this style of 5000? Any thoughts as to what is going on here?

Thanks,
Jay

JF in MI · Jun 8, 2016

I am presuming it has the type of pump that is gear driven and bolts to the back of the front gear housing. Towards the rear of the pump there is a sliding pressure control piston (part 10). Accessible by plug-caps on both left and right (parts 14). If debris gets in this piston and it jams half way you will get the symptoms you mention. The piston must slide freely from side to side. Don't ask me how I know. Be careful as the outside cap (IIRC) has a spring (part 12) load. I had one jammed enough that it had to be hammered out.

jaybob · Jun 8, 2016

On the nose. Yep, that's my config. So, this would cause the difficult steering and the pressure back into the reservoir when turned off?

Quick question, related - is there a conversion to the all-in-one unit from this? Maybe it bolts right up? I would think it'd be easier to find parts, as my 8600 'looks' to have the same one they ran in the later models?

JF in MI · Jun 8, 2016

When the valve jammed on the 5000 we had the steering was sluggish. The fluid being forced through a part open valve got extremely hot real fast (which could be a factor) and since it isn't going where it should some sections may not be getting the air out. That system is a darn good one...when it works right.

jaybob · Jun 8, 2016

Interesting. I'll attempt to check that out. If it works well, why fix it, right? I appreciate the time you put into this for me!

Also, what part of Michigan are you in? I'm north of Grand Rapids about 40min.

Thanks!
Jay

RodinNS · Jun 8, 2016

That system has some tricky adjustments to make it work properly. I've never experienced the exact symptoms you have so I won't argue the point too much. The flow/relief valve may indeed be the problem. However, if that does not resolve the issue.... you may find that the stops on the assist cylinder valve need to be readjusted. I forget exactly how they go now but if you pull the nose and rad off you can get in there for a good look and you'll figure it out. The bottom line is that as the parts wear you need to readjust to compensate, otherwise the steering control valve never gets activated and you essentially end up steering fully in manual mode....
That said.... if you are getting a turn of the wheel before it gets real heavy, it is quite possible that the relief is weak or open.... or the pump is just plain weak.
Those systems will steer with one finger when working properly.

Rod

JF in MI · Jun 9, 2016

Am 15 miles due west of Mt Pleasant. Post your results after you get it fixed.

jaybob · Jun 9, 2016

A neighbor! Fantastic!
I absolutely will. Thanks again!

Ford 5000 - Power Steering

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JF in MI

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jaybob

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JF in MI

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JF in MI

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