8N steering problem

Hardpan · Jul 23, 2014

Bought an 8N with old Dearborn loader. Tractor runs great and I expected hard steering. But the steering is awful. The steering wheel has 1/4 turn free play and even then you can only turn the front wheels about 10 degrees - makes for very wide turns! I have the 8N manual and a good write up on rebuilding the steering box but its hard to work around the loader and I can't seem to find a trouble shooting approach to the problem. How much trouble to remove, repair and replace the box. Suggestions, condolences??

mhb@ufe · Jul 23, 2014

Repairing the free play in the steering wheel will require removing the hood and instrument panel to get the top off the steering box. It is very common for them to leak and the upper bearing on the steering shaft is left dry causing excessive wear and failure. You might want to jack up the front of the tractor to check the spindle bushings and thrust bearings.

Mark

stimpy451 · Jul 24, 2014

I have a Wagner loader that isn't much different, and yes, it is a bear to work around the "jungle gym".

But the steering on mine is quite pleasant. I have no trouble rough mowing, etc. It probably helps having a heavy implement on the 3-point to offset the loader weight.

souNdguy · Jul 24, 2014

get front end off the ground.

identify play. can be hub, tie rod end, sector backlash or thrust or all of them. hard turning can also be spindle bushing wear.. which is common in loader tractors.

steer wheel play of 1/4 turn will commonly be thrust or sector backlash. if the steer wheel rises and falls into the column when turned lock to lock.. that is thrust play.. need bearings and likely at least top ciup. sector backlash could be adjustment or if round cover old style box.. bushings too.

newer oval cover boxes have backlash adjuster studs. if you are real lucky and living right.. you can adjust the backlash if it is loose by adjusting studs after loosening locknut.. or if round cover style. remove bolts nad turn till it snugs.

many times adjustment is used up.. so parts replacement is needed.

again.. post back. these are easy boxes to rebuild.

post back some details.

Hardpan · Jul 24, 2014

I really really don't want to tear into the machine just yet and for the time being I'm going to work with the trouble shooting suggested by Soundguy. So far I've checked the ?Thrust Play? and turning the wheel from one end of free play to the other I'm guessing I have 1/8 inch rise/fall in that 1/4 turn. I'm wondering how bad that actually is? Be busy tomorrow but hopefully Saturday I'll be able to jack it up and get us some more information linkage and other stuff. Nice to know there are folks out there that understand these old machines.

8N steering problem

Hardpan

Member

mhb@ufe

Well-known Member

stimpy451

Member

souNdguy

Well-known Member

Hardpan

Member

Similar threads