Power steering problem on a 1958 Ford 600-601

NormL · Nov 27, 2014

After seven years of abuse, the yellow beast has rebelled! It may or may not be because of the abuse but I can not steer it. It has factory power meaning it has twin rams and the pump is pulley driven from a dedicated belt. I adjusted the tension on that belt and checked the fluid and the clue may be right there - it was milky looking after the tractor had been run for a while and trying to steer. It has been bitterly cold lately and I'm wondering if moisture in the system has formed ice in the lines. I need to add that late summer and into autumn, the steering seemed to have less assist than I was used to but I had no time to investigate. Now that the winter is here, I have more time but I lack the heated shop that would make it easier to tear down the steering components and sleuth out the cause. So if anyone can "steer" me in the right direction to get me started I will be grateful indeed!! I'm fairly certain that the pump itself is not the issue. After a few minutes running it was quite warm and as I indicated, the oil was milky. And even with the front wheels lifted off the ground I was unable to turn the steering wheel even a little bit. Can the steering box be frozen? Help!!

Soundguy · Nov 27, 2014

If there is ice in the sump it could be cavitating and foaming the oil similar to what water emulsion looks like

NormL · Nov 27, 2014

Soundguy said:
If there is ice in the sump it could be cavitating and foaming the oil similar to what water emulsion looks like

Thanks for replying, Soundguy! I'm not sure where or what the sump would be, though. This pump has the reservoir above the pump so are you saying that there could be ice in that? And if indeed there is moisture in the system, how did it get there? There is no obvious - to me, at least - entry point. But if that is the case, I'm facing the unpleasant task of removing a bunch of gear and hauling it into my "cave" to thaw!:smiley_aafz: