[AT] 8N Hard Steering - Update

[Mike Sloane]

I agree with George. When I was rebuilding my 2N, I took the front axle 
apart and discovered that the bushings were a little worn, and one of 
the thrust bearings was reduced to just a collection of crumpled pieces. 
  The original bearings were ball bearings, while the replacement 
bearings were roller bearings (or the other way around; I forget which), 
but the replacements seemed more robust. The best part was that there 
was no wear or damage to any of the castings, and replacing the bushings 
and bearings had everything back in like new condition (and much nicer 
steering. I think I will have to do the same thing with my 860, which 
has become difficult to steer. I think I would suggest to any Ford N 
owner that they jack the front of the tractor up by the axles to lube 
the steering at least once a year, to get grease into those bearings. 
The other place that seems to have a tough time getting grease is the 
fittings on the ends of the stabilizer rods that attach at the 
transmission housing - both of them were dry and took a lot of work to 
get grease into.

Mike

George Willer wrote:
> In my experience failure of the spindle thrust bearings is fairly 
> common. That's why I suggested it could be your friend's problem.  Even 
> with regular greasing the bottom may not get any grease.  The best thing 
> is to jack up the front end so the indicator grease comes out the bottom 
> instead of the top... that will assure some gets to the thrust bearing.
> 
> George Willer
> 

-- 
Mike Sloane
Allamuchy NJ
mikesloane at verizon.net
Website: <www.geocities.com/mikesloane>
Images: <www.fotki.com/mikesloane>

We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when 
we created them. -Albert Einstein, physicist, Nobel laureate (1879-1955)


-- 
No virus found in this outgoing message.
Checked by AVG Free Edition.
Version: 7.1.371 / Virus Database: 267.13.12/194 - Release Date: 12/7/2005