IH 444 (364) Power Steering

HappyJack · Nov 8, 2019

Not that the weather has turned here in Northwestern Ontario, I have come upon a new issue with my British built 444. The last two times I have used it I have had an issue with the power steering. It functions perfectly turning to the right but will only go to the left about 10 degrees off centre. The first time it happened I presumed it was a bit of ice on it somewhere causing it to stop as it worked fine after about 20 minutes. Then I used the tractor a few days later and the same thing. I only needed to run it for 10 minutes and it never freed up but had the same symptoms: fully to the right but only 10 degrees to the left.

Both times were on days when the temperature was below freezing so I am guessing that it has something to do with water somewhere. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

Scotty

JimB2 · Nov 8, 2019

Hi Jack,
Which kind of PS do you have on your 444, the true British type with the power assist cylinder on the left side of the tractor or the USA style with the steering pump under the dash and no mechanical
connection to the PS cylinder under the front axle?

HappyJack · Nov 8, 2019

(quoted from post at 12:24:18 11/08/19) Hi Jack,
Which kind of PS do you have on your 444, the true British type with the power assist cylinder on the left side of the tractor or the USA style with the steering pump under the dash and no mechanical
connection to the PS cylinder under the front axle?

British: power assist cylinder on the left side.

Scotty

JimB2 · Nov 9, 2019

Hi Scotty, try pouring some hot water over the steering cylinder or a heat gun if you have one.
Do you hear any hydraulic buzzing or the engine under load when attempting to turn left?
Could also be ice in the steering gear box under the dash.
If you have a front end loader on it lift the front wheels off the ground and see if there are any mechanical binding of steering mechanism.

HappyJack · Nov 9, 2019

(quoted from post at 07:30:58 11/09/19) Hi Scotty, try pouring some hot water over the steering cylinder or a heat gun if you have one.
Do you hear any hydraulic buzzing or the engine under load when attempting to turn left?
Could also be ice in the steering gear box under the dash.
If you have a front end loader on it lift the front wheels off the ground and see if there are any mechanical binding of steering mechanism.

Thanks. I will try the heat gun when I get a free moment. There doesn't seem to be any odd noises when under load or turning: it just stops.

I will have to jack up the front in order to see if there is any binding: it is a 1501 loader with no down pressure.

Thanks

Scotty

JimB2 · Nov 9, 2019

Scotty, there is away of lifting front end with 1501 loader, stick the bucket in the ground, tractor in low gear low idle, hold the loader boom valve in and let the clutch out slowly.

HappyJack · Nov 16, 2019

Well it warmed up a bit today and I put a heat gun on the steering box. I have full steering left and right.

So, I am thinking I have some water in the steering box assembly. I know there is an oil plug on the top but I cannot find any plug to drain it. So the question is, how do I get the oil/water mix out of the steering box and what do I put back in?

I'm guessing that long term I'm going to need to replace something along the shaft to keep water out.......

Thanks for the advice...

Scotty

IH 444 (364) Power Steering

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