1962 Farmall 460 Power Steering issue. Asking for guidance

MadDogDave · Feb 10, 2015

Power steering was working well, then it wasn't. Checked pump and we have good pressure. We have the manuals. Are thinking the PS assembly setting above the front wheels is not holding pressure any longer. Assembly looks very complicated with lots of parts and seals.
Has anyone rebuilt this assembly or repaired such a problem? What should we expect? We are thinking about replacing the entire unit. Any guidance would be appreciated!!

pete 23 · Feb 10, 2015

If the steering unit was not "holding pressure" you would not be able to build pressure at the pump unless you had disconnected the line going to the power steering and improvised a fitting to test pressure.. I would simply unhook the steering return line, run it into a bucket and turn steering wheel, gauge in pump test port, and watch the return flow. If pump is no good, flow will fall way off. If flow does not change and is 2 l/2 to 3 gal per minute, the problem is in steering valve or cylinder.

Lee460 · Feb 11, 2015

Something to check. Spray all the joints on the
steering shaft with lube. My 560 was that way &
after the lube job it turned better than I ever
remembered it turning. I thought all along it had
to be the pump. Still can't believe it was just in
a bind, but it works great.

MadDogDave · Feb 12, 2015

(quoted from post at 22:20:15 02/10/15) If the steering unit was not "holding pressure" you would not be able to build pressure at the pump unless you had disconnected the line going to the power steering and improvised a fitting to test pressure.. I would simply unhook the steering return line, run it into a bucket and turn steering wheel, gauge in pump test port, and watch the return flow. If pump is no good, flow will fall way off. If flow does not change and is 2 l/2 to 3 gal per minute, the problem is in steering valve or cylinder.

Thanks so much for your response! We tested, with a pressure gauge, directly coming from the pump and the pump meets spec's. We have not done what you suggest and we shall do exactly that. Great suggestion. In this case the cylinder (or what functions as a cylinder) is actually incorporated in to the PS unit. The PS unit diagram depicts a piston that appears to perform that function. The PS unit on the 460 contains a rack/pinion and a control valve as well. This unit seems to perform several functions. As stated this unit has lots of parts and looks really complex. We are hesitant to get into it and will try everything else first. May purchase another tractor for parts, replace it, then get into it when we don't have anything to loose.
The hoses are original lines so we might just have a plugged hose so we'll be checking that as well.
Again, great suggestion!! Thanks so much for your help!

MadDogDave · Feb 12, 2015

(reply to post at 13:21:07 02/11/15)

Thanks for your suggestion. We have done that and unfortunately it didn't change anything. Sometimes we all look past the easy things. It's amazing how often the simplest solutions do the trick. Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!

muleboss · Feb 12, 2015

As strange as it may sound, I had this problem on my 460. I cleaned the hyd filter in the side case and it now works as it should.

MadDogDave · Feb 13, 2015

(quoted from post at 17:47:34 02/12/15) As strange as it may sound, I had this problem on my 460. I cleaned the hyd filter in the side case and it now works as it should.

Another good suggestion. I know i've cleaned it before but don't recall when. Shall try that.

Thank you!

1962 Farmall 460 Power Steering issue. Asking for guidance

MadDogDave

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pete 23

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