A few complaints of hard steering have been reported on "40" Series Tractors, in most cases on comparatively new machines.

If a tractor is exposed to the weather or stored in a damp place for a long period, moisture can accumulate in the front axle spindle bearing housings, causing parts of the steering mechanism to rust. Discrepancies in machining or assembly, not detected at the factory, can also contribute to steering difficulty.

A thorough check of the steering mechanism, performed as part of the predelivery service, will reveal the presence of any such trouble and will enable the dealer to correct it before the tractor gets into the hands of the customer.

To check for steering difficulties on Models "40" Standard, "40" Utility, and "40" Tricycle Tractors, the following procedure is recommended:

1. Raise front end of tractor and support it so front wheels clear floor or ground.
2. Using two fingers placed at the point where spoke of steering wheel joins steering wheel rim, turn steering wheel from extreme left to extreme right. If it cannot be turned with a medium amount of effort (or if resistance is above 60 inch-pounds or 5 foot-pounds, measured with a torque wrench), continue with the next step.
3. (Proceed to step 4B if tractor has tricycle front end.)
   1. Remove right tie rod end from steering arm. Turn spindle and wheel through turning arc, checking for binding.
   2. Remove left tie rod end from steering arm. Turn spindle and wheel through turning arc, checking for binding.
   3. If binding or stiffness is found in either spindle grease or remove and repair. Spindles should turn freely. If they are found to be free, continue with step 4A.
4. (A) Checking Steering Cam and Vertical Steering Shaft on Models "40" Standard and "40" Utility Tractors.
   1. With both tie rods removed from steering arms, disconnect steering tube from -steering cam. It should now be possible to turn steering cam with the fingers (8-12 inch-pounds). If you are unable to turn steering cam, loosen steering cam adjusting screw lock and back out adjusting screw. If cam still cannot be turned with the fingers, remove steering gear housing cover and pry upward on lower end of vertical steering shaft until stud on lever arm clears steering cam. (It is not necessary to remove center steering arm from vertical steering shaft.) Again try to turn steering cam with fingers. If it will not turn, or turns with difficulty, reduce preload on steering cam bearings by adding shims under bearing cover until only a slight drag (2-5 inch-pounds) is noted when steering cam is rotated with fingers.
   2. Check vertical steering shaft for tightness by grasping one tie rod in each hand and moving them back and forth. If the vertical steering shaft is hard to turn, remove it. Inspect and lubricate bushings. Reassemble complete steering mechanism. Turn vertical shaft adjusting screw down until snug (cam must be at mid-point of its range of travel), back off adjusting screw 1/8 turn and lock. If tractor is still difficult to steer, continue with step 5.

4. (B) Checking Steering Cam and Vertical Steering Shaft on Model "40" Tricycle Tractor.

   1. Disconnect steering tube from steering cam. (Remove tie rods from steering arms on tractors with adjustable axle.) Remove cover from steering gear housing and pry vertical steering shaft upward until the studs on lever arm clear the steering cam. Try to turn steering cam with fingers. If cam is difficult to turn, reduce preload on steering cam bearings by adding shims under bearing cover until only a slight drag (2-5 inch-pounds) is noted as cam is rotated with fingers.
   2. On tractors equipped with adjustable axle, check vertical steering shaft and spindle assembly by actuating tie rods. On regular or single front wheel type tractors, check by moving the wheels back and forth through their entire range. If spindle assembly is extremely difficult to turn, it will be necessary to check the entire upper spindle assembly, making sure that upper and lower bearings are well lubricated and that the thrust bearing is installed properly. The word TOP must be up when thrust bearing is installed correctly. Reassemble complete steering mechanism. Turn vertical steering shaft adjusting screw down until snug (cam must be at mid-point of its range of travel), back off adjusting screw 1/8 turn and lock. If tractor is still difficult to steer, continue with step 5.
5. Final Steps
   1. Check steering tube for tightness in instrument panel bearing. If tight, lubricate bearing.
   2. Loosen the three cap screws at base of instrument panel and align instrument panel bearing so that the steering tube is free to turn. If trouble is encountered in aligning panel, check steering tube for straightness. If the tube is bent, it may be possible to straighten it in the tractor, using a chain hoist to apply pressure at the bent portion of tube. However, if steering tube cannot be straightened, replace tube and all defective parts with new parts.

Refer to Service Manual SM-2013, Section 170, for additional service information and specifications for steering mechanism and front axles on Model "40" Series wheel-type tractors.