[Farmall] 140 Steering Problem

[Al Jones]

Yes, what looks like a small amount of wear usually equals a lot of front end slop.

Check the center arm closely when you get it back together.  It can slip too.

Al

-----Original Message-----
>From: Paul Sigmund <pwsigmund at verizon.net>
>Sent: Aug 19, 2009 8:58 AM
>To: Farmall/IHC mailing list <farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com>
>Subject: Re: [Farmall] 140 Steering Problem
>
>I had a similar problem with my 240.  Looking at the blowup for the 140, 
>there are some similarities that may make my experience relevant to 
>yours.  I could turn the steering wheel almost 360 degrees before I 
>experienced any resistance in the front end.  Considering the gear 
>sector is only a small portion of a full circle, you can see there is a 
>large "gear ratio" between the steering wheel, and the worm gear.   I 
>pulled my gears and found them to be in "like new" condition.  However, 
>the Woodruff key that holds the Pitman arm stationary with the vertical 
>gear arm had worn the keyway sufficiently that the gear could "wobble" 
>several degrees back and forth on the shaft.  Those several degrees 
>translate to a tremendous amount of sloppiness at the steering wheel.  
>Therefore if there is any appreciable side to side motion of the key in 
>the keyway, it could be the problem.  The usual fix is to have a new 
>keyway cut 180 degrees from the original.  In my case, that had already 
>been done, so I was lucky enough to find a machinist who considered it a 
>challenge to machine a tapered collar to replace the original.  If 
>memory serves me, a recycled replacement gear/shaft was over $250.  I 
>looked at a used one, and it's keyway was in as bad condition as mine. 
>
>doug hale wrote:
>> Well got the steering box apart finally.  gear doesn't look wore.  can see the shine where it has been, but no signs of excess wear.
>> The gear does have a little play on the shaft, but not really that much, so maybe a new key might help.  Bearing is a little rusted from mositure, but not that bad.
>> Going to replace the key, re-install everything and make sure all is tight.  Then will check the toe-in and make sure all is well there and see what comes.
>>  
>> Thanks to all for your thoughts.
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----
>> From: John Hall <jthall at worldnet.att.net>
>> To: Farmall/IHC mailing list <farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com>
>> Sent: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 8:53:17 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Farmall] 140 Steering Problem
>>
>> Assuming all tie rod ends and connections are in good shape, welding the 
>> sector and the shaft is a pretty common fix. The parts are so expensive it 
>> is rare to find anyone who will buy them. Sometimes replacing the key will 
>> help as well as making sure the nut is pushing the piece that the tie rods 
>> connect to securely up onto the shaft--it is tapered best as I remember. I 
>> doubt you have a busted bearing as that is usually a sign of one that is 
>> almost impossible to steer. Pretty much the only thing to do is to tear it 
>> apart and see how bad it is (read expensive to fix). I seem to remember you 
>> have to be careful where you weld due to interference with something. We 
>> welded one up for a relative last winter and it has worked well this summer.
>>
>> John Hall
>>
>> ----- Original Message ----- 
>> From: "doug hale" <douger55 at yahoo.com>
>> To: "Farmall/IHC mailing list" <farmall at lists.antique-tractor.com>
>> Sent: Monday, August 17, 2009 10:34 PM
>> Subject: [Farmall] 140 Steering Problem
>>
>>
>> Putting the finishing touches on a Farmall 140 and had new tires put on last 
>> week. Now I can;tdrive due to very sloppy play in the steering. anyone have 
>> any thoughts or ideas on what to adjust or look for? Looking at the 
>> breakdown, steering gear is very pricy for my local IH dealer. I have pulled 
>> the steering shaft and the "worm gear" looks ok. Having trouble getting into 
>> the steering box. Can't seem to get the steering arm off. Will try to find a 
>> puller in the morning and see if that will help.
>>
>>
>>
>>
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