The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

About 3 days ago when I was plowing snow I noticed when I was backing up that something didnt feel right with the steering. The front tires were not parallel to each other. When I went into a forward gear, the tires somewhat straightend out. When I turn the steering wheel one tire is roughly where it should be but the other is way too far turned. It doesnt matter which way I turn both tires will do it.
I have put my weight againts each of the tires and tried to turn the steering wheel at the same time but they feel quite firm and responsive to the steering wheel.
I have looked over the front ball joints and exterior linkage and everything seems fine. Both steering drop arms are secure and are not loose.

Any Ideas??

Possibly you have sheared one of the woodruff keys at the front spindle and steering arm?

No the front end of the tractor is fairly tight and in proper order. The real issue seems to be coming from the steering box. I just was hoping for some ideas before I start pulling things apart

I am not an expert on Dextas by any means, but it sounds like the front axle is moving backwards and forwards a bit. I would check the ball cups at the foot rests to make sure the front axle can't move forward when you are reversing.

Regards, Frank.

P.S. don't forget to let us know what you find.

Strawhouse,

my advice is to check the entire front system, starting from Front wheel till Steering wheel.

the lock in the front axle steering arm Spindel could have broken.
....
till insufficient oil in the steering housing causing the inner parts to slide very difficult ...

When I turn the steering wheel one tire is roughly where it should be but the other is way too far turned.

I have had this problem since I got my Dexta, I have not torn into this section yet, as I'm working on re-wiring the whole tractor at the moment.

I am very interested in what you find out Strawhouse.

These might help with the topic.




Jeff

Have you checked the alignment with the marks on the front axle? They are faint but should be there. With the wheels in the straight ahead position, adjust the drag links to bring each mark into alignment.

adjust the drag links to bring each mark into alignment

My marks are off a bit.

Should that adjustment be performed with the front end off the ground?

Jeff

Jeff,
No.

Thanks alot for the great tips everyone. This gives me a better direction to go in, I wont be able to try tackling this until the weekend but I will definetly keep everyone informed. That is if we dont get snowed in again!

Andrew

Hello Brian

With regards Jeff's question about raising the front of the tractor, would that not make the adjustment easier, as obviously that would take weight off the wheel that is being adjusted. Anything to make life easier.

Kind regards
Mervyn

If the wheels are on the ground it is firm rather than floating around as you try and adjust it. Its on a fine thread anyway and is easy to do. There is no load on the wheels.

Hello Brian

Thanks for clearing that up.
Talking about those fine treads on the drag links, mine were kind of badly rusted in the tube and I battled to get the wornout ends off. With the new ends that would not turn in far enough I just had to have patience and some penitrating oil and turn them in and out bit by bit until I eventually got them in to the end. Probably this was not really necessary but I just wanted to clear the thread inside the tube. At least when I do need to adjust I shan't have to use those expletive expressions/words.

KEEP WELL

Mervyn

I finaly had the chance to look at the front end today and discovered Jack was right:

possibly you have sheared one of the woodruff keys at the front spindle and steering arm?
_________________
Jack

It was really hard to tell because the key was sheared off and mashed inside to the point where it made the wheel feel quite secure. Pulling apart the spindle and front steering arm was quite easy the whole job maybe took about 10 minutes to pull apart.
Does anyone know the measurement/actual size of the woodruff key?

Andrew

Parts book I have says it is 1/4 x 7/8 , no part number given as is often the case with common hardware items. Item # 13 in the drawing posted earlier in this thread.

Glad you found the problem.... As I recall, they were pretty beat up on mine also. Bounced off a few rocks and stumps over the years I imagine.

Cheers

Thanks for the key size. I think I will change the other side as well considering the ease of the operation.

Andrew