420W steering problem (hard to turn)

grayrider

Well-known Member
Traded for a 420W that has the hardest steering I've ever seen on anything with four wheels, I have to use both hands and strain like he!! to get this tractor to turn and then it won't turn sharply, need half an acre to make a left or right turn, whose fixed this problem in the past? I'm ready to tear into it....
 
My first look would be the 90 degree box at the top of the front pedistal.

Probably ground up metal in there. Take the top cap off and have a look.
 
I thought I would take some slack out of the steering on my 420W so I tightened the steering spindles. Wrong thing to do as it was almost impossible to steer, like the symptoms you give. Loosened back up and it was fine.
 
"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]<font color="#6699ff">whose fixed this problem in the past?[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]</font>"

Take a look at the diagram below.

a192508.jpg" width="650"




Note the left steering arm (Key 4), right steering arm (Key 15), adjustable end with cover (Key 28), tie rod tube (Key 31), and end with dust cover (Key 36).

Reviewed the [b:654c4848f0]SERVICE MANUAL JOHN DEERE 40 SERIES TRACTORS & CRAWLERS SM-2013[/b:654c4848f0] under the [i:654c4848f0]Toe-in Adjustment[/i:654c4848f0] topic on page 170-15-6.

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]Following disassembly of front axle or after replacing any of the steering linkage parts, check toe-in according to following procedure.

With front wheels in the straight ahead position, and the front of the tractor on the floor, measure front wheel tread width at front and rear of wheels at hub height. Proper toe-in is 1/8 to 1/2 inch less in front than in rear. To make necessary adjustment, loosen clamps at inner end of tie rods and set screws at outer ends. Turn each tie rod tube an equal amount until proper toe-in is obtained. Make sure set screws at end of tie rods are pointed away from the axle.

NOTE: Tie rods must be equal in length.

Turn steering wheel to extreme right and left. Steering arms must contact steering arm at each extreme.[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Take a look at the photos below of the adjustable ends on "Audie" our Model 40S.

a192509.jpg" width="650"


a192510.jpg" width="650"


This is one method of centering the steering on the Model 40S and probably the Model 40U tractors.

Remove the adjustable tie rod ends from both the left and right steering arms.

Turn the steering wheel either to the extreme right or left.

Mark the top of the steering wheel with a small piece of duct tape.

Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction, counting the number of revolutions, until it stops noting the position of the duct tape.

Divide the number of complete revolutions and any partial revolution by 2.

Turn the steering wheel in the opposite direction the new calculated number and "anchor" the steering wheel.

The steering wheel should be close to center.

Follow the directions above from the service manual.

Take a look at the diagram below.

a192523.jpg" width="650"




Note the hex jam nut(Key 3), adjusting screw (Key 4), cover (Key 5), steering shaft (Key 8), and steering gear housing (Key 15).



Reviewed the [b:654c4848f0]SERVICE MANUAL JOHN DEERE 40 SERIES TRACTORS & CRAWLERS SM-2013[/b:654c4848f0] under the [i:654c4848f0]Adjusting Steering Gear Backlash[/i:654c4848f0] topic on page 170-5-5.

"[b:654c4848f0][i:654c4848f0]NOTE: Raise front end of tractor to remove load from front wheels.

Turn wheels so they are in the direct forward position. With adjusting screw lock nut loosened, turn adjusting screw in as far as possible and then back off several turns. Tighten screw until it just bears on steering lever. Tighten the lock nut.

Turn the steering wheel from right to left to check for bind. A slight drag should be felt when wheels pass center of straight ahead position.

When steering wheel is turned to extreme right or left, boss on upper spindle must contact stops on front end support. On adjustable front axle, stops on steering arms must contact stops on axle.

Fill the steering housing with quantity and weight of oil recommended in Section 30.

Replace grille and hood.[/i:654c4848f0][/b:654c4848f0]"

Take a look at the photo below.

a192525.jpg" width="650"


Hope this helps.
 
Whew, that's a lot of instructions to soak in there James, but I do appreciate and thanks too to you other guys, not concerned about proper toe in just yet, first thing is to find out why it is seized up so hard
 
Thanks.

Figured that maybe I should document the repair since trees have a way of jumping in front of tractors here on the farm in NE Texas.

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Holy cow, would you look at this crap, no wonder the 420 can't be steered. Now to find some parts......on second thought, since everything is already boogered up I may weld it myself. Steering shaft is trashed, any comments??????
a172476.jpg

a172477.jpg
 
The old gal ain't half bad looking, just needs steering fixed,this is the day it was delivered, I've since reversed the front wheels like their supposed to be since this pic was made the other day
a172499.jpg
 
Here I thought I had seen pert near every type of welder abuse there was but trying to weld a universal joint is a new one on me. Ought to be a mental capacity test to be able to use a welder!
 
It's not a universal joint, just got back from town with some rods, I have nothing to lose, going to weld it up this weekend, somebody burnt holes all the way through the coupler, if my repair fails then I'm certainly going to need another steering rod, if a YT member can put me on one I would really appreciate it.
 

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