m farmall steering

this m has power steering - it steers hard and even worse after you pick the front-end up off the ground -- could the problem be the lower thrust bearing in the front end ? that would be the one all the weight is on above the front wheels -- its like it wants to lockup and then it turns a bit -- the res. is full and the steering motor has no leaks -- Your thoughts are forever cherished!

So you are saying it steers harder when there is no weight on the front wheels? Or do you mean it steers harder after you jack the front up and let it back down putting the weight of the tractor back on it? Steers hard jacked l; up I would say something is not right in the upper bolster gear box. If after raised up and let back down there is a possibility it is the big bearing in the lower bolster or could be the gear box as well. If it steers hard while jacked up do you have the engine running while trying this? The Char-lynn systems I am pretty sure with no hydraulic pressure have a small bit of resistance to turn but it is relatively easy to over come it with the steering wheel. I am not real sure how much resistance the other brand had when not running...is it Saginaw?.. like I think came on some Supers and MTAs.

JAnicholson must be on a vacation from YT. Usually when I type up a long reply on my phone and post it, he usually has already typed his 20 cents worth and I just end up repeating what his answer is. Lol!

Everything I discuss here assumes the PS torque generator is working correctly. Lifting the wheels can put the sector gear in the gear box atop the bolster as much as an eighth inch lower than when the weight is on it. This difference in running position can cause hangups. The other thing that comes to mind is a failing ball bearing at the front of the steering shaft from the torque generator. (under the big plug that faces forward.

I would take the lid off the gear box while it is up in the air, and measure down to the sector gear from a straight edge across the box, then let it down to see the change in position.
I would also disconnect the shaft from the torque generator, then rotate the shaft with a vice grip to make sure the hangup is in the gears and bolster. An added check: turn the shaft to the right some, then mark the shaft where it comes out of the box with a felt tip. Then turn the shaft to the left some and see if the mark moved outward toward the driver (or disapeared. The shaft should have no in out motion when turning. It is an indication of a failed bearing as described below.
I would then remove the big plug (which actually positions the ball bearing under it) and screw the worm out to look at that bearing. If it is at all rough, replace it from a reputable bearing shop, it must be a heavy pattern deep groove bearing, not one that has the same dimensions. It takes all the stress of the steering. Let us know what you find. I was not sleeping, I was putting tools away from putting in flooring in my neighbors house. Jim

it steers with one finger when jacked up and real hard when backdown -- I think I might as well drop the wheels and take her down so I can look at all the parts-- thanks for the input guys !! Roy

Likely the thrust bearing in the upper bolster shaft. To get there it all comes down. Jim