641 PowerMaster with Loader-Hard Steering

Pappy

Well-known Member
Trying to help my Son with his 641 Powermaster. Serial Number 641 8077. It runs good and the loader works well, but his main problem is steering. He says it is almost impossible to steer either with the engine running of off, or sitting still or rolling. In trying to determine if it is a mechanical problem or hydraulic problem, he blocked up the front axle so both wheels clear the ground. In this position, he can easily rotate the steering from full left to full right with one hand, with the engine running of turned off.

Any ideas as to where to start will be appreciated. It has the front mount pump for the loader.
Does this pump also control the steering?

Thanks for all help you can provide.
 

The loader pump is for the loader. I may be wrong; someone will be along to say for sure; but I think those had a dedicated power steering pump, belt driven, mounted on the engine. Does it have a power steering pump with reservoir on the engine? Is the reservoir full?
 
Reservoir is empty. It is behind the rad on the right side below the side/hood
panel. Has a clamp thing to hold the cover on. Or maybe the belt is broken.
 
That 641 will be lucky to have power steering as early in the series that it is. And if it does, it should be the round canister type ,Saginaw I believe, with the filler cap on top rear. You might want to check the thrust bearings at the bottom of the axles.
 
If oil level and belt prove to be acceptable, be advised that many of these systems are badly worn and do not function properly, if at all.

Cylinders, pumps, and control valves all wear out.

Start with the control valve as it is inexpensive (though time consuming) to repair and often the cause of weak PS.

Dean
 
Thrust bearing front spindels check for large gap between steering arms at the top of the axle good sign the bearing is bad.
 
Does it have power assist steering?If so, it will probably be a Bendix model running along the side of the tractor.I rebuild these for the Fords and Case row crop tractors.Maybe you could post a picture?
 
mvphoto65893.jpg
 

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