Ford 3910 Power Steering Column Leak

[termyte14]

I purchased a 1986 Ford 3910 diesel about a year ago to replace my 1971 Massey Ferguson 135 gasser. Overall, I'm very happy with the tractor but I've got some pesky leaks I'm going to start fixing. The first one I plan on tackling is the power steering column leak. It seems I need to replace the seals in the column. Also, the o-ring seals on the pitman arms are leaking as well. I removed the steering box from the tractor, after removing the dash cover and fuel tank. As you will see from some of the pics, how does all this trash get in the clutch housing. Also, once I'm done fixing all the seals, is the fluid in the steering box separate from the fluid in the power steering system? I've read a lot of post about using corn head grease in the steering box to prevent leakage/seepage. I got the cover off the box and called it a night so it could drain. Plan on hitting it hard again when I get off today.

 

[showcattle]

As I understand, all utility size Fords leak, or will eventually leak from the steering column. Ours has since we got it, and a friend's 4600 leaked too. Our steering just quit working a month ago. I could only steer to the right. I thought I was going to break the steering wheel trying to turn left. Sent it to the dealer, a bearing was broken somewhere. They were talking to a salvage yard they do business with, and they were told all 3910 steering is junk. The salvage yard recommended rebuilding with components from a 3600. So that's what was done. Just got it back a week ago, and so far so good. No leaks and steers unbelievably smooth.

 

[Birdhunter1]

I've replaced all those seals once and they leaked within a few months again. I just keep pouring oil in and let it leak. A farmer down the road had the same tractor for a long time and he said he had it done once and did it himself once, adjusted the power steering pump pressure down to specs (as it was high before he replaced the seals) and it still ended up leaking.

For what its worth I've been using whatever cheap oil I can find to put in the steering system and haven't had anything fail due to the wrong oil.

 

[MarkPelz]

I have the same issue of power steering fluid leaking from the top of the steering column on my 1995 Ford/New Holland 1720. I pulled apart the steering shaft and assembly and it looks like the spacer(s), rubber ring/seal, and bearing all have some wear and I will replace those.
However, is it correct that the steering column is SUPPOSED to have power steering fluid in it during normal operation? Or, do I only have fluid in the column because a seal is failing below the shaft (i.e., in the steering control valve) and allowing the flow into the shaft?
Thanks for any guidance!! This will help me repair the right part.