Ford 5000 power steering issue, veers to the right.

[sandman2234]

Glad to hear that you got it done, at least well enough for you to operate it!
I have a couple of JD2555's and just blew a hose on one of them a couple of weeks ago. It was dead in the water till I changed the hose. I couldn't even get it closer to the shop because where it broke was on a jog in the path and there were obstacles that I didn't want to hit with the loader bucket if I attempted to use the brakes to steer. I was thinking... "there ought to be a better way" and in my case I probably could have used one of my other tractors to walk it out of there, but alas I needed the exercise walking back and forth to get the tools I needed!
David from jax

 

[AntiqueIron]

Glad to hear that you got it done, at least well enough for you to operate it!
I have a couple of JD2555's and just blew a hose on one of them a couple of weeks ago. It was dead in the water till I changed the hose. I couldn't even get it closer to the shop because where it broke was on a jog in the path and there were obstacles that I didn't want to hit with the loader bucket if I attempted to use the brakes to steer. I was thinking... "there ought to be a better way" and in my case I probably could have used one of my other tractors to walk it out of there, but alas I needed the exercise walking back and forth to get the tools I needed!
David from jax

Hydraulic hoses are never a fun fix- they always pick the worst time to go, and they’re never cheap to replace.

Had a 2755 sitting outside the shop at my last job-scoop was an internal hydraulic line burst or wore through so the tractor ran and moved but had no hydraulics, PTO, or steering.

Always wanted to get it fixed- dunno whatever happened to it.


More I think about this old ford, the more tempted I am to make the final necessary adjustment to get the steering perfect. It’s more work, yes. But having it go from “acceptable for my purposes” to actually functioning properly would be nice.

Gotta replace the carburetor at some point (typical Holley problems… Zenith to the rescue!!) so maybe I’ll make a weekend of it.

I’ve gotten to where I can pull the tin and radiator, adjust the valve, and reassemble everything in about 5 hours. Good that I’m quick, but it’s frustrating the reason I’m so quick at it lol.

My truck needs the coolant flushed this weekend and a tire rotation, so maybe next weekend I’ll fix the steering back to perfect.

 

[AntiqueIron]

Well… bad news.

Did some brush hogging today, wasn’t out too long but I lost a good bit of PS fluid. Could see it dripping out of the cylinder.

I bought the PS center arm for a later 5000 and have it sitting on my workbench.

It’s not the most ideal solution, but the most practical one right now is to get rid of the front loader and convert to manual steering, using over everything but replacing the center arm.

Eventually when money allows I think the thing to do is to buy a second tractor that’s better suited for loader work- probably an industrial tractor with power reverse.

I’ve seen a kit that replaces the steering column and drag link with a hydrostatic power steering system- but I really want some sort of mechanical link on this tractor.

 

[TractorTech]

Not good news, but hydrostatic steering would be simpler to install and probably the best solution for a loader tractor. Industrial tractors with power reverser or shuttles have PTOs, but not very strong ones. The Ford C and D series were good, but becoming hard to find parts for the transmissions

 

[AntiqueIron]

Not good news, but hydrostatic steering would be simpler to install and probably the best solution for a loader tractor. Industrial tractors with power reverser or shuttles have PTOs, but not very strong ones. The Ford C and D series were good, but becoming hard to find parts for the transmissions

Pretty hard pressed to find an ol ford tractor that ain’t good

Thinking eventually I’d like to find a later model power steering column that’s got the built in motor, but I haven’t found one for a good price.

Those hydrostatic systems work great, but I’m hesitant to use one on this tractor because I do a lot of work with this tractor in very remote areas, and I’d fear I’d blow a hose or break down and not be able to limp home.

I ain’t known for being the brightest crayon in the tool shed though lol.

Figure I can at least install the new center arm and then figure out what to do from there regardless.

Wonder if the loader is worth anything- it’s a 735 and it’s never been cracked or repaired. Tight all around even.

 

[AntiqueIron]

Update. Brush hogged 2 hours today, went well except by the time I was done I found out the PS oil had been blown over the entire front of the tractor. Not good, I worry about the rad plugging up.

Found the leak though, I think. Pretty sure the O ring seal on the valve is leaking, but not 100% sure. Its $16 for that O-Ring from NH, and supposedly is the same as a R-11 O ring which I can apparently get from Napa for 70 cents. Go figure. Maybe I’ll try it. Also toyed with using a late 50s GM power steering valve, making a custom drag link and attaching a hydraulic cylinder below it. Pretty much the same style as the aftermarket power steering conversions, but using the correct gearbox and center tie rod pivot.

Or maybe I’ll just take the loader off and remove the PS components, convert to armstrong steering using the 70+ steering center.

Can’t say, all I know is I need to get a couple more acres mowed, so I’ll check the rad regularly, and once my mowing chores are done I can figure out a solution.

 

[AntiqueIron]

Ok, so I think I got it.

From tip of the washer at the end of the valve stack, to the washer below the spring should be .945

No drift and the front end is jacked up so that should be it….

Man I hope so…

 

[AntiqueIron]

Not good news, but hydrostatic steering would be simpler to install and probably the best solution for a loader tractor. Industrial tractors with power reverser or shuttles have PTOs, but not very strong ones. The Ford C and D series were good, but becoming hard to find parts for the transmissions

Ive made the executive decision that I’m not putting any more effort into this steering ram. Its now puking oil out the packing, and it’s still not acting right as far as pulling.

I found a hydrostatic conversion kit on ebay.

Do you feel this would be a good solution? Will this work with my “early style” pump with separate reservoir, or do they use different fittings?

I already have the new-style steering arm.

I’ve also considered just going back to manual steering with that new arm and my existing gearbox- I’d ultimately sell the loader in that option because I sure ain’t popeye! Lol. But it also doesnt fit this tractor all that well, IMO. Its very difficult to work around the loader frame and I can’t see my front wheel tracking when doing field work.

Guess Im wondering how essential power steering really is if Im only putting 50 hours on the tractor a year.


Thank you for your help by the way- I appreciate it!

 

[EdGooding]

Strictly my personal opinion, but if you remove the loader and given how little you use it, then power steering is nice but not necessary. I would not operate a loader tractor without it, though.

 

[AntiqueIron]

Strictly my personal opinion, but if you remove the loader and given how little you use it, then power steering is nice but not necessary. I would not operate a loader tractor without it, though.

I’ve noticed a fair amount of these tractors that were sold in Europe never had it, so I imagine it can’t be that bad.

Thanks for the input!