1971 Ford 5000 power steering issues

dmassingill · Jul 9, 2019

Hello all, I bought a 1971 Ford 5000 with a Bush Hog 2400QT front end loader a few months ago. When I got the tractor, the top seal was leaking in the steering column. I bought a seal kit and resealed the entire assembly. I have also resealed the power steering pump. The problem I have is that even though I can tell that there is at least some power assisted steering, it still takes two hands to turn the steering wheel when not moving. I borrowed a hydraulic gauge and "dead headed" the pump for a few seconds. The reading was 1100 psi. I did not, however, have the adapters necessary to tee into the system. Since then, I have disassembled the steering column again to check the seals and insure that all paths were clear. While I had the control valve shaft out, I twisted the torsion bar while applying air pressure into the holes of the control valve. Depending on the direction that the torsion bar was twisted, the air paths changed. The question about that is that with one hole in the control valve, air would not come out of any other hole, no matter what direction the torsion bar was twisted. If I lift the front end off of the ground, the steering is easy, but with weight applied, it becomes hard again. I have repeatedly tried to bleed the system of air, both with the front wheels off and on the ground. From the power steering pump to the steering column, everything gets hot to the touch within a few minutes of running. I followed both the Ford repair manual as well as the IT manual when resealing the system. I cannot find a lot of information about those systems online, even after months of searching. I am to a point that I do not know what else to check. I have considered buying a new pump to see if that would make a difference. If that didn't work, I have considered buying a new steering sector or column, but those are expensive, and some aftermarket units say not to use with a FEL. I am hoping that someone knows a good bit about the system and can give me some things to check!

I apologize for the long post, but any and all responses will be greatly appreciated!

Also, as I only worked the tractor for a few minutes due to the leak, I don't really remember how hard the steering was before I resealed the column. I used Traveler Premium Hydra/Trans fluid to fill up the power steering as well.

Gator6x4 · Jul 9, 2019

dmassingill said:
Hello all, I bought a 1971 Ford 5000 with a Bush Hog 2400QT front end loader a few months ago. When I got the tractor, the top seal was leaking in the steering column. I bought a seal kit and resealed the entire assembly. I have also resealed the power steering pump. The problem I have is that even though I can tell that there is at least some power assisted steering, it still takes two hands to turn the steering wheel when not moving. I borrowed a hydraulic gauge and "dead headed" the pump for a few seconds. The reading was 1100 psi. I did not, however, have the adapters necessary to tee into the system. Since then, I have disassembled the steering column again to check the seals and insure that all paths were clear. While I had the control valve shaft out, I twisted the torsion bar while applying air pressure into the holes of the control valve. Depending on the direction that the torsion bar was twisted, the air paths changed. The question about that is that with one hole in the control valve, air would not come out of any other hole, no matter what direction the torsion bar was twisted. If I lift the front end off of the ground, the steering is easy, but with weight applied, it becomes hard again. I have repeatedly tried to bleed the system of air, both with the front wheels off and on the ground. From the power steering pump to the steering column, everything gets hot to the touch within a few minutes of running. I followed both the Ford repair manual as well as the IT manual when resealing the system. I cannot find a lot of information about those systems online, even after months of searching. I am to a point that I do not know what else to check. I have considered buying a new pump to see if that would make a difference. If that didn't work, I have considered buying a new steering sector or column, but those are expensive, and some aftermarket units say not to use with a FEL. I am hoping that someone knows a good bit about the system and can give me some things to check!

I apologize for the long post, but any and all responses will be greatly appreciated!

Also, as I only worked the tractor for a few minutes due to the leak, I don't really remember how hard the steering was before I resealed the column. I used Traveler Premium Hydra/Trans fluid to fill up the power steering as well.

I had a friend years ago who experienced the same problem with a 5000. He first tried a pump rebuild and finally gave up on that and went for a pump replacement. Here are several web links that may provide some help.

Ford 5000 Parts - Steering Parts

https://www.mytractorforum.com/20-f.../430266-ford-5000-steering-gear-box-help.html

This one is slow loading because of all the graphics. It contains all the various parts of your steering system.

http://www.crosscreektractor.com/customer/crcrtr/pdf/Ford.pdf

dmassingill · Jul 10, 2019

Thank you for your reply. I suppose trying a new pump will be my next move. I'm the type what would love to know exactly what is wrong, because I feel that I'm just throwing money at it and hoping something works otherwise. The worm shaft (control valve shaft) and nut for the steering sector is around $1200, and aftermarket complete steering sectors are around that same price. Out of curiosity, has anyone used a different power steering setup on a Ford 5000 with the integrated power steering sector? Maybe one from a different model or some other system?

Gator6x4 · Jul 11, 2019

dmassingill said:
Thank you for your reply. I suppose trying a new pump will be my next move. I'm the type what would love to know exactly what is wrong, because I feel that I'm just throwing money at it and hoping something works otherwise. The worm shaft (control valve shaft) and nut for the steering sector is around $1200, and aftermarket complete steering sectors are around that same price. Out of curiosity, has anyone used a different power steering setup on a Ford 5000 with the integrated power steering sector? Maybe one from a different model or some other system?

I think before I spent a ton on throwing money at it, I would visit a local New Holland Dealer and talk to the Service Manager. Keeping the conservation brief and professional. Stick strictly to the problem. Please don't start with what if I eliminate this and substitute that questions to the Service Manager.