John Deere 2 cylinder power steering

buster34s · Jul 6, 2018

I have a 1958 John Deere 720 (Propane) with recently rebuilt steering system. The efforts feel fine, but the system steers easily to the left and much more difficult to the right.

As per the manual instruction, I have moved the valve body forward. It is in the full forward position, the steering is improved but still has strong preference to go to the left (e.g. hard steering to the right).

How to resolve? Is there mis-assembly? What if I put a washer under the bolt that holds the lever that follows the eccentric in the steering shaft?

Comments welcome!

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Bob · Jul 6, 2018

"with recently rebuilt steering system"

NOT knowing what was "rebuilt" or the competency of the person doing it, it's tough to say.

I understand EXACTLY what you are proposing, and what have you got to lose by trying at this point?

On the other hand, if all parts were examined and approved for re-use by a person with an understanding of how this system works and the steering worm endplay was set as specified you wouldn't be where you are now, in wondering what to try next, IMHO.

JD Seller · Jul 7, 2018

Did you rebuild the unit yourself??? The reason I am asking is to know how you set the worm end play. It has to be correct or the system will not work. You really should do it with a dial indicator. I used to try it without doing that way and about half the time I ended up with the trouble your having.

buster34s · Jul 9, 2018

Thanks to reply from you (JD seller) and from "Bob". Both of you mentioned worm gear end play as a likely cause of my problem. I have the SM 2016 manual which describes end play as controled by shims (still available from JD in two thicknesses). They recommend 0.001 to 0.004 inch end play.
Just as you pointed out, it is best measured with dial indicator, with preference toward 0.001 inch end play.

Questions:

1. I assume the hard steer to the right condition I am experienceing is due to too much end play-correct? (not too little)

2. End play is reduced by removal of shims--right?

3. Can this adjustment be done by draining the fluid and removing the "steering valve" (page 50-10 in the parts book) but leaving the steering worm housing (page 50-6 in the parts book) installed on the tractor??

Comments appreciated, thanks

Leo from
Michigan

John Deere 2 cylinder power steering

buster34s

New User

Bob

Well-known Member

JD Seller

Well-known Member

buster34s

New User

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