1948 JD A is hard to steer and makes a sound

I have a 1948 JD A that seems to steer harder than it should and it makes a creaking sound like some part is not getting lubed properly. The sound is heard when the tractor is not in motion. I have taken it all apart and replaced the bearing on the bottom of pedestal and lubed everything well. The worm shaft has some wear along with the sector gear but I was able to adjust the eccentric bushing to get most of the play out. The end play is good when turned fully right or left but when it is centered there is some play. I am thinking this is normal when there is some wear. The bearings of the worn shaft are good and was able to adjust with no end play and no resistant when turning the steer wheel before I placed the sector gear back in. When I tighten up the top crown nut on top of the vertical shaft it does get hard to turn with no weigh on the front tires, so I have to leave is a little loose which is a concern as there are no shims to take out. One big flat washer under the sector gear. I did see one discussion about a 1950 tractor that needed a washer that was to be crushed down as it is tightened but this washer is not like that. And it continues the creaking sound. Any ideas. thanks in advance.

Rich

Check the bearings on each end of your worm gear. I bet one fell out of place when you put it together.

I took the cover off, and pulled out the worm gear to get a second good look and everything looks ok, carefully reassembled to make sure it went together right. No improvement. Thanks for the idea.

Rich

I'm confused!! you say that the noise occurs when tractor is not in motion. r u sure this noise is coming from steering". Is tractor running when you hear this? Could it be a totally unrelated noise? Dry front fan shaft bearing perhaps?

I am sorry, I should have just stated that the engine is not running. The tractor is just sitting there and when you turn the steering wheel you hear the noise.
Rich

Splines for sector gear may be worn and allowing it to go on too far and bind
when but is tightened.

You sure it is not the tires on the concrete?

The sound is at the top, it seems to be the two gears. I have tried it on the dirt as well and it sounds the same. If the gears are worn some would that cause them to creak or squeak even though they are lubed?

Rich

I had a '39 A that made a noise similar to what yours is doing. Sounded like a door hinge that needed oil when you turned the steering
wheel. IIRC I ended up adjusting the eccentric one notch to take pressure off the sector against the worm gear. You could also try
backing the 2 bolts out that hold the front bearing cup 1/2 turn at a time and see if that stops the noise. The worm gear might need a
small amount of play now that you replaced the bearings. You may need to add a shim between the cup and pedestal .

Are U sure the sector gear is centered on the worm. Not too high or too low?