Tractor pulling left - how to fix?

plaindave · Dec 5, 2008

My B7800 has started to pull to the left. If you let go of the wheel while going forward you'll be off in a ditch in no time at all. How do I fix this?

I was thinking I could back off the tie rod and start from square one adjusting the toe-in, but if that doesn't cure the problem which side should have more thread engagement to correct the pulling?

john_bud · Dec 5, 2008

1) are the tires all up to the same pressure?
2) is there a brake dragging?
3) When you drive straight, then stop without turning the wheel, are both front tires aimed in the same direction? Put a long straight edge across the tires at the mid point and site down it.

jb

woodchuckie · Dec 6, 2008

See if you've bent one of the tie rods. I had to have one of mine heated and straightened.

plaindave · Dec 6, 2008

Tire pressure is good and I'm not sure about the brake. But I do like the straight edge idea. I'll check that out this afternoon.

Thanks.

Hooked_on_HP · Dec 6, 2008

I agree with John on the brake dragging. If you bent a tie rod it should be obvious. Try locking the diff. and see if it goes strait. That should tell you if it is a brake or not

Wayne County Hose · Dec 6, 2008

Could also be a hydraulic problem in the steering. Does that have an orbitrol motor up by the steering wheel? They are known to do this when they go bad.

ray66v · Dec 6, 2008

No matter what you do to the tie rods, you can't make it pull to the left. Only caster, and camber can cause a pull, as far as alignments go.

There has to be a problem with the left tire, axle, spindle, steering box, or brakes.

As mentioned, check tire pressure first.

Make sure the Lt. brake is not hanging up.

Look for wear on the tires to see if they are scuffed, or worn uneven.

Stand in front with the wheels straight, and see if there is any uneven lean in the tires. Normally both will lean out on the top slightly, on a tractor. If they don't match, it could be something is bent. Spin the tires and make sure the wheel is not bent also.

Measure the wheel base, center to center on each side. Make sure the front wheels are straight when you do. Both sides should be almost even. Vehicle will always pull to the short side.

If you don't find anything wrong, switch the front tires, and see if the pull switches sides. This usually indicates a bad tire.