CORRECTING STEERING DIFFICULTIES
John Deere "40" Series Tractors
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:
Raise front end of tractor and support it so front wheels clear
floor or ground.
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.
(Proceed to step 4B if tractor has tricycle front end.)
Remove right tie rod end from steering arm. Turn spindle and wheel
through turning arc, checking for binding.
Remove left tie rod end from steering arm. Turn spindle and wheel
through turning arc, checking for binding.
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.
(A) Checking Steering Cam and Vertical Steering Shaft on Models "40"
Standard and "40" Utility Tractors.
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.
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.
(B) Checking Steering Cam and Vertical Steering Shaft on Model "40"
Tricycle Tractor.
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.
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.
Final Steps
Check steering tube for tightness in instrument panel bearing. If
tight, lubricate bearing.
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.