7710 Ford steering issues

3000gt · Sep 8, 2015

Just bought a 7710 ford and it is very hard to steer while sitting still. Increasing RPM's does not help however while moving she steers perfect. I put new/correct fluid in reservoir and changed filter as well. No improvement! I assume my steering pump is shot and i need to purchase a new one. I have read that some people have had luck adding shims to pressure relief valve.

Ideas
1) I guess i need to check fluid pressure.
2) add shims (anyone tried this)?
3) New pump
4) could it be anything else i overlooked

THANKS

TractorTech · Sep 9, 2015

Yes, you need to know what pressure you're working with, but the clue, 'speeding engine up doesn't make any difference' is a clue that the steering cylinder is probably leaking internally. This is pretty common and less expensive to repair than replacing the pump.

Harry in Ky · Sep 9, 2015

I disagree. If the cylinder is leaking internally, the steering wheel will turn easily enough with the engine running, but the steering simply won't respond. It will most likely also wander on it's own while driving. If the steering wheel won't turn sitting still(similar to dead engine steering) then your assessment of a bad pump is likely correct. The relief pressure may be low, true enough, but a tired pump is far more common than a weak relief valve. If the pump is the problem, you can add all the shims you want and it still wont steer.

RickB · Sep 9, 2015

Harry has it right.

A pressure test is in order before spending dollar one.

RickB · Sep 9, 2015

Harry has it right.

A pressure test is in order before spending dollar one.

3000gt · Sep 9, 2015

I talked to a mechanic at Ford/NW dealership and he advised me to put 20w-50 (thicker) oil in and see if I had any improvement. Sadly it didn't help. He also said I could check pressure but usually it doesn't matter because the pump is most likely worn out. Just ordered one for $200 and we will see what happens.
thanks guys ill post results next week

RickB · Sep 9, 2015

3000gt said:
I talked to a mechanic at Ford/NW dealership and he advised me to put 20w-50 (thicker) oil in and see if I had any improvement. Sadly it didn't help. He also said I could check pressure but usually it doesn't matter because the pump is most likely worn out. Just ordered one for $200 and we will see what happens.
thanks guys ill post results next week

A "mechanic" that downplays troubleshooting isn't much of one. Hopefully somebody sold you a pump with the correct PRV setting for hydrostatic steering.

3000gt · Sep 9, 2015

I told the mechanic i didnt want to spend a ton of money and he shot it to me straight. He started off by saying i need to check pressure etc but will most likely end up replacing pump. I respect his honesty

Hopefully somebody sold you a pump with the correct PRV setting for hydrostatic steering.

Uh oh i looked on the new holland website but didnt see a PRV setting.

Can u help me out I have a 86 model cab mfwd european model?
I bought New Power Steering Pump Ford 4100 4600 E6NN3K514PA99M E6NN3K514PA | eBay

RickB · Sep 10, 2015

Troubleshooting doesn't cost money; it saves money by identifying the correct repair options.

You need E6NN3K514TA or a direct replacement for that part number. There's two reasons that seller has 5 pumps that look alike or at least similar. Those reasons are relief valve setting and pressure/return fitting configuration.