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Tractor Talk Discussion Forum

Ford 841 Steering Woes

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George Bugg

05-05-2007 14:37:56




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My 841 is a wonderful tractor, but it is so hard to steer I decided to sell it and get something w/power steering. A guy came to look at it today and had great things to say about (so much so that I'm quickly changing my mind about selling...). Anyway, the one thing that he pointed out - and why he didn't buy it - was that something was wrong in the steering.

He said the 841's he'd had in the past were _much_ easier to steer. Any ideas as to what I should look for, or where I should start?

Thanks.
George
North Alabama

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Hal/WA

05-06-2007 22:11:10




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
Something else to check is lube inside the steering box. Especially if you see oily dirt below the box, the seals may have let lots of the 90W gear lube leak out.

My 641D steers much easier since I filled the steering box with synthetic grease. I replaced the fill plug with a grease fitting and pumped a whole tube of the synthetic grease (it's not supposed to get too stiff if it get real cold) in through the fitting. Since then I have noticed some leakage, but it seems like 90W rather than the grease, but that wasn't too surprising, since I did not empty out the remaining lube before I put in the grease. Easy, cheap and effective. It worked for me. Good luck!

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Joe(TX)

05-06-2007 17:55:35




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
It could be as simple as no grease in the spindle. I worked on a tractor for a friend that you could barely steer. I greased the front spindles and it cured the problem. My next guess would be the spindle thrust bearings. Is there a gap between the steering arms and the spindle support?



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George Bugg

05-06-2007 18:47:51




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to Joe(TX), 05-06-2007 17:55:35  
I didn't get a chance to realy look at it closely this afternoon as I'd planned. But I appreciate all of the suggestions. I have a good list of things to check.

It has had very little maintenance over the years, so I don't doubt that the spindles are dry and the bearings are worn.

I'll post again when I've had time to diagnose it a little.

Thanks again for all of the help!!



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Joe(TX)

05-06-2007 17:55:27




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
It could be as simple as no grease in the spindle. I worked on a tractor for a friend that you could barely steer. I greased the front spindles and it cured the problem. My next guess would be the spindle thrust bearings. Is there a gap between the steering arms and the spindle support?



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Truck

05-06-2007 17:04:15




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
Should be able to find a power steering setup off a similar Ford that will bolt on...Not gonna be cheap, but if you like the ole thing, why not?? (I am assuming you do not have power steering right now?)

I had a 800 series with a loader... Before I rebuilt the spindles it was a bear to steer..but now it does fine.



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Badly Bent

05-06-2007 06:16:46




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
George, I have a Massey Ferguson 135 that was tough to steer until I replaced the wheel bearings, thrust bearings, spindles, and tie rod ends. It steers much easier now, although it still isn't power steering. I too wanted power steering, but after the repairs I can live with my 135 as is. You might find the same thing.



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jmixigo

05-06-2007 05:02:56




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
Start at the front and work back. The thrust bearing between the base of the spindle and the axle boss affects steering effort more than any other part. The spindle bushings and wheel bearings must be in good shape for the thrust bearings to work properly. The rest of the steering system USUALLY has more to do with "slop" than effort.

From down the road in Lanett, Alabama.



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Old Ford Mechanic

05-05-2007 15:24:04




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
Where are you located in North Al.I'm also a North Al.resident.I have a good used steering gear that will fit your tractor should you need it.I also have other steering parts for that tractor.I can be contacted at 256-229-6888.I also can offer you advice on your problem.



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George Bugg

05-05-2007 19:04:11




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to Old Ford Mechanic, 05-05-2007 15:24:04  
Thanks! I"m in Hazel Green (just north of Huntsville). I"ll get out there again tomorrow after church and see if I can isolate the problem a little more.

I may give you a call.



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Ken Crisman

05-05-2007 15:05:05




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
First I"d check the front axle support . They wear out especially with a loader on the front . If you haven"t done a R&R on the front , then do it . Then check the steering box . The bearings maybe worn or it may need oil . Check those out & then email me . I may have some more help . Good luck & God blesss . Ken at callj.j.s@verizon.net



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ErnieDD

05-05-2007 15:01:26




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 Re: Ford 841 Steering Woes in reply to George Bugg, 05-05-2007 14:37:56  
Jack the front end up and take the load off the tires. It should steer effortlesly. You may have a binding bearing sleeve in one of the front posts.

You can also pop a tie rod end off to isolate.



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