Power steering leak

ideburger · Jan 21, 2014

After changing a blown power steering hose last weekend, I now have a leak. Funny thing is, it does not appear to be related to the new hose Although trying to get a good look at the control valve is difficult at best. A quick look at it in the cold tonight and it apoears to be leaking out of something right above the steering housing fill plug. My question is...what is that something?

I see it in the FO-20 manual but it isn't labeled. In figure FO31, it is the piece right under the arrow for the oil seal (part 12). There is a tiny arrow pointing to it, but doesn't say what it is. My guess was a relief valve? Any ideas why this may he leaking?

Soundguy · Jan 24, 2014

is it the top column seal leaking?

ideburger · Jan 24, 2014

I haven't had a chance to get a closer look yet. It has been too cold! Any idea what the part I described is? It has a cover on it that rotates freely....ie not threaded.

Soundguy · Jan 24, 2014

how about you actually post a pic... I'm by my manuals about 10 minutes each day.. no more...

ideburger · Jan 25, 2014

Here are some pictures of the piece I am talking about. ..

Soundguy · Jan 25, 2014

someone with a screen larger than a telephone is gonna have to look at that pic. it jiggles around over my my screen without me being able to see anything usefull.

Jim L · Jan 26, 2014

That's the breather/filler vent for the machincal (lower)part of your steering gear.If it's leaking from that,either you have too much gear oil in that part or a hydraulic pressure leak in the control valve caused by a bad seal between the two and is pumping power steering fluid into the lower part.I'll send you some pics via private message. If it's leaking slightly above the vent, it could be a bad O-ring between the two allowing the fluid to leak out.

ideburger · Feb 1, 2014

Jim L said:
That's the breather/filler vent for the machincal (lower)part of your steering gear.If it's leaking from that,either you have too much gear oil in that part or a hydraulic pressure leak in the control valve caused by a bad seal between the two and is pumping power steering fluid into the lower part.I'll send you some pics via private message. If it's leaking slightly above the vent, it could be a bad O-ring between the two allowing the fluid to leak out.

It is definitely leaking from the breather/filler vent. Replacing that seal looks like quite a job. Any goox adivice? Where can I find the seal?

Soundguy · Feb 1, 2014

nh dealer maybee?

ideburger · Feb 1, 2014

Soundguy said:
nh dealer maybee?

I will try the dealer. I wonder if they make a control valve rebuild kit?

Soundguy · Feb 1, 2014

dunno about kit.. but balls and springs, probably

Jim L · Feb 1, 2014

You'll probably have to get the seals and parts individually.Don't know how detailed your service manual is but these reprints of genuine Ford service manuals are hard to beat.1955 1960 Ford Tractor Shop Manual 600 700 800 900 601 701 801 901 1801 Series | eBay

Jim L · Feb 1, 2014

Just remembered, Had the same problem with the 4610 SU. Ford's fix for this on the 10 series with AG front axle was running an oil line from the filler plug on the gear box to the return oil line by putting a Tee in the line going to the power steering pump. Just replace the gear oil in the box and the type A tranny fluid in the pump and cylinders with 134 NH ambra or equivalent and let it recirculate in the system. I'm not saying this is the "correct" way to fix it,but just another option.

ideburger · Feb 1, 2014

Jim L said:
Just remembered, Had the same problem with the 4610 SU. Ford's fix for this on the 10 series with AG front axle was running an oil line from the filler plug on the gear box to the return oil line by putting a Tee in the line going to the power steering pump. Just replace the gear oil in the box and the type A tranny fluid in the pump and cylinders with 134 NH ambra or equivalent and let it recirculate in the system. I'm not saying this is the "correct" way to fix it,but just another option.

That would certainly be an easier fix. Any downsides to that? I suppose it would keep the gearbox lubricated.

Jim L · Feb 2, 2014

I suppose if the internal leak got bad enough,you could lose some hydraulic pressure in your steering,but I don't think the fluid pressure would be that extreme against a rubber seal as the seal is not a high pressure O-ring anyway. I'd be sure the lower gear case had GOOD seals on the steering arm shafts and caps/adjusters as the 134 is thinner than the 90w gear oil and will run warmer,but there's still no guarantee it won't leak. It did fix the 4610 (as of now) 7 years, but If it was me, I'd go on and fix the seal the right way and be done with it. My 2 cents

ideburger · Mar 23, 2014

Update: I replaced the seal between the control valve and steering gear box and the leak is gone. I went ahead and rewired the tractor while I was at it. Everything wofking great for now except that I noticed my pto seal is leaking. That will be my next project. Thanks again for everyones help.

Jim L · Mar 23, 2014

Good deal ideburger. The PTO will be a walk in the park after your accomplishment on the steering. Nice work

yewdall · Jan 2, 2018

Resucitating this old thread since it seems I might be having the same, or similar issue with mine. 1954 Ford 600. Just replaced the power steering pump (old one had rusted out internally and seized, and I had disconnected the rams for a year or two to drive it manually -- really fun with a load of dirt or snow in the loader....). Anyway, with the new pump on the there, and fluid flushed and refilled, it now leaks out of what looks like a breather on the steering valve assembly, in the attached photo you can see the fluid oozing down.

It leaks out of here a little if you turn the wheel to either side with the engine off too, not just with it running. Also, the power steering pump rattles when you are not touching the steering wheel, with the engine running, but not if you are turning the wheel. It seems to operate the rams just fine. Ideas? Thanks! Zeke

Soundguy · Jan 8, 2018

the steering column has seals....

Ultradog MN · Feb 8, 2018

That is the breather for the lower box.
Your lower seal in the column is leaking - there is one above and one below the hydraulic block. You will need to pull the tin and steering wheel then disassemble the column to get at it.
Column is not complicated and two seals plus a couple of orings not expensive.
I haven't been around this board for a year or so.
Contact me if you need more help.