Ford 4630 Steering Problems

houser52 · Mar 4, 2016

My dad has a 4630 that is about 20 years old and it has given him great service until now.

Just recently the steering has been giving some trouble. When turning the steering wheel the front wheels won't move even though you are still turning the steering wheel. Then it acts like something "catches" and it steers okay. When the engine isn't running you can turn the steering wheel all the way around and the front wheels don't budge.

The power steering fluid level is fine. Any idea of what to look for?

davesl708 · Mar 4, 2016

My first thought is the steering cylinder is worn and allowing hyd. fluid to bypass the piston inside the cylinder until the pressure drops enough to overcome the flow. May be time to rebuild the steering cylinder.

houser52 · Mar 4, 2016

davesl708 said:
My first thought is the steering cylinder is worn and allowing hyd. fluid to bypass the piston inside the cylinder until the pressure drops enough to overcome the flow. May be time to rebuild the steering cylinder.

Thanks. Would a worn cylinder also cause the steering wheel to spin freely with the engine not running?