model m steering

rgjsat · Dec 28, 2014

Have just rebuilt the steering on a 48 model m (new tie rods and worm gear, tires, etc.). During a test drive, the tractor steers hard. This is my first M, is that typical of this model?

jd2cylman · Dec 28, 2014

Define hard. Since there is no power assist, it will not steer with one finger, but it shouldn't take two men and a boy to steer. Also, sitting still will be harder to steer than when moving. When moving, you should be able to steer with one hand. When you rebuilt the worm, did you follow service manual procedures? Setting the worm bearings too tight will make it hard to steer. Setting the clearance of the lever in the worm is important too. Too tight and the worm turns hard. Check settings and proceed from there. If it steers good without weight on the front tires without binding or excess play, test drive next.
Good luck,

Adrian

M-MAN · Dec 28, 2014

No. If it steers hard there's a reason.

You mentioned the worm gear. What about the bearings, 2 bushings(and seal) in the steering box and 1 bushing(and seal) at the bottom where the Y bolts on? Pin that rides in the worm? 140wt oil, cornhead grease, or 00grease in the gearbox? Spindles greased? Toe in set? With the front jacked up you should be able to turn the steering wheel all the way in both directions with 1 finger.

rgjsat · Dec 28, 2014

When jacked up, I can turn both ways with one finger. Steering box has been modified to use grease not oil. I used wheel grease when repacked with new pin. Worm gear moves freely with no binding. Spindle and wheel bearings are greased and move freely with proper toe in. It does steer "easy" when in motion but with using two hands. As I said, my first M so I knew it wouldn't steer like power steering but wasn't sure what resistance to expect. Thanks for the advice.

rgjsat · Dec 28, 2014

Thanks for the info. See my other response in the discussion.

M-MAN · Dec 29, 2014

3 NEW bushings? They are what keeps the shaft and pin straight and true as it rides the worm. If they aren't new(especially the bottom) it tilts the pin, binds it and causes premature failure.

You need to get that grease out of the box now and replace it with 00 grease. I mix in just enough 140wt to make it pourable but you don't have too. Deere, NH, Snapper(squeeze bottle) all have it. It's semifluid and won't push away from the worm like what you have in there now.(It's already dry) If you don't you'll be buying another $200 worm and $30 pin soon.

Not trying to be smart but I try to pass along a little of what I learned the hard way over the last 4 decades with mine.

rgjsat · Dec 30, 2014

Thanks. Will change out the grease.

model m steering

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