what can i try to improve the steering on my 1973 4500. it is scrapped. i cant get it to work after rebuilding the ps pump and steering cylinder(joke for ford)and installinf bushings . still no steering. what am i doing wrong. what can i do to modify this ford steering. need help. thanks
Dave, I have a 1975 4500 and restored the steering too. This is a weak point on these machines, but if you understand how it all works it makes fixing and maintaining it a lot easier. I found on my machine that there was too much play in the whole linkage, such as bushings loose and a cracked cylinder ram where it connects to the adjustment pin (the one that is threaded into the front casting). Once all the slop is taken out, then you will be able to adjust the cylinder valve linkage to get the balance between left & right steering. How does your steering react now? Do you have any power assist at all? - Dave
guy thanks for response i do not have any power assist at all. the front wheels are clear of the ground and i can turn the wheels both directions with my hands and i can use the steering valve with a screwdriver to operate the valve manualy and the wheels will turn left to right slowly. i can turn the stearing wheel left to right with no response from the power assist but the gearbox for steering will turn left to right. i have replaced the seals and orings in the pump and relief valve and the steering cylinder and valve have both been rebuilt. i feel i dont have enough of pressure to turn the wheels with the cylinder on the ground. im at a loss as to what to try next. any clues? thanks dave
Dave, I would start by testing the pressure at the pump to get a baseline reading. Plumb a gauge at the pump output. You should be seeing somewhere around 1100 to 1200 psi. When you had the pump apart, did you see any wear or scoring between the gears, end plates and pump body? Also, did you take the relief valve apart at all? I am just throwing things out at you. If the relief valve is weak it won't hold the pressure.
guy i did have the relief apart and installed new orings used same parts that were inside except orings, pump will move the wheels if they are lifted off ground. i have contacted a local ford dealer in athens tennessee and they say it will cost approx 1200-2000 to rebuild the complete front steering and approx two weeks to do the job. unfortently i dont have that kind of money at present to do this so i am looking at doing it myself if i can find a suitable garage or building in which to tear it down. never thought it would cost so much to own a play toy of my own. thanks for your response , its appreciated dave
Dave, That does sound like a lot of cash. Best to do yourself if possible and learn a lot along the way. Hope everything works out... Good Luck! - Dave
steering problem with 4500ford still not working can not get the fittings to make up a test unit to check the pressures. does any one have one for sale or rental . need help to get unit working
have you checked the gear box located up behind the fuel tank. remove the square set bolt and fill with the proper fluid