How to trouble shoot power steering not working

RFL · May 2, 2014

Hey everyone, I have a 1964 ford 4000 Industrial gas powered 5sp tractor with front loader and gannon box. How do I trouble shoot the power steering with out disassembling anything?
When I bought it a couple months ago it did not work when I got it home. I checked the fluid and it was low so I added some and run the tractor all weekend moving dirt with out power steering and by Sunday my arms were DONE! I don't see any leaks and don't know where to start looking to find out what the problem is?

any help with this would be great!
Thanks
RFL

Ken Macfarlane · May 2, 2014

Not a ford expert but they usually use a separate engine driven
pump and reservoir. My understanding it the steering is an open
centre system so that pump is always circulating.

If that reservoir was low for any length of time I would expect
that pump to burn itself up.

On our neighbours Ford 5000, it only has ps in one direction,
and has loader on it. The problem is in the steering box, the
shuttle valve is stuck or damaged so it won't send oil to the
assist cylinder. Neighbour has run it like that for 20 years. Arms
of steel or worn out brake on one side I'm not sure. I hated
raking hay with it though.

RFL · May 2, 2014

(reply to post at 10:06:42 05/02/14)

s there a way to losen a line or something to see if the pump is working? I know there are alot of factors involved I'm trying to pin point the problem other than replacing everything and spending more on parts than I did buying the tractor just to find out it was something little and inexpensive.

thanks for you input
RFL

Steve@Advance · May 2, 2014

First thing is to determine if it's the pump or the steering gear.

To test the pump you'll need to remove the pressure hose and install a high pressure gauge. Not sure what the pressure should be but I'm guessing 800 to 1000 lbs.

If you don't have the means to do this, the official "redneck get er done" method would be to clamp down on the pressure hose with vice grips and listen for the pump to build pressure. But, you might ruin the hose doing this, your call. You'll definitely feel the hose build pressure and hear the engine slow, or the belt slip if it's belt driven. Be careful!!!

If no pressure the pump is bad.

If it does build pressure, the problem is in the steering gear. Probably an internal leak or the directional valve is bad. Either way the gear will need to be removed and dissembled.
It is repairable but you'll need a manual and some pullers and snap ring pliers.

RFL · May 2, 2014

(reply to post at 13:34:37 05/02/14)

SWEET!" thats what i'm talking about now I need to find out which hose is the one I need to disconnect and start there, I do need to get a repair manual for this tractor do you recommend one?
Thanks for the info
RFL

JMS/.MN · May 2, 2014

Is the fluid level low again? Did you gain oil in the crankcase? If so, the seal between the pump and engine is letting PS fluid into the crankcase.

Ken Macfarlane · May 2, 2014

The pump would have a pressure and a return going to the steering
box. If the engine is running oil should be circulating at very low
pressure in that loop. If you pinch the soft line it will cause
backpressure and make noise where the fluid is going fast in the
pinched hose.

Steve@Advance · May 2, 2014

The pressure line will be the heavy duty braided
hydraulic line with probably a flare or oring
fitting on each end.

The return will be a softer hose, usually connected
with a hose clamp.

Just about any repair or shop manual will do. Some
are quite pricey, usually a little overkill. Look
at this site or Ebay.

SparepartsTN · May 3, 2014

This may help if it works.

How to trouble shoot power steering not working

RFL

New User

Ken Macfarlane

Well-known Member

RFL

New User

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

RFL

New User

JMS/.MN

Well-known Member

Ken Macfarlane

Well-known Member

Steve@Advance

Well-known Member

SparepartsTN

Member

Similar threads