1958 Ford 1841 power steering

I don't know if that is an acceptable fluid or not. You should call your local Ford NH dealer and see what the spec is for the PS fluid and maybe even buy from them to eliminate one variable. I am leaning toward fluid type being the issue.

There is a filter in the fluid reservour. You should change it, also I "think" it is different from the standard PS pump filter, but my books are in the shop and I'm too lazy to go out and check! Finally, the relief valve in the PS pump may be stuck closed.

Question: does your tractor have the cable steer system without any hard link between the steering column and the front axle or is it the later type with a single link to the left wheel?

Question: did the shop that tested your pump give you flow and pressure at various pump speeds? Or what? Am curious as to what the definiton of "Decent" is.

This shouldn't be a hard problem and probably has a simple obvious solution that is easy to overlook!

jb

I didn't ask before, but does the PS work (aside from the bubble problem)?

Has there been any other work on the system recently? Was the tractor working fine and then just pooped out or?

Is this a new to you tractor or have you had it for a while?

Trying to isolate the problem and gain understanding of the timeline.

Have you checked the power cylinder to see if it is full of fluid and working properly? With the motor off (jack up the front to make it easy), go full left to full right several times. Like 10 times. Check and top off the fluid level. Then go full left and crank it over until it fires, then shut if off. Repeat for full right. The cylinder should be almost completely free of air. With the engine on, cycle L-R 10 times and it should be free of air. Normally, you don't have to monkey around with the first steps...

Also, the steering system you have was to fix the abominable cable steer cluster. It was introduced in (I think) 1960. Are you for sure it is a 1958 model 1841 and not a newer one?

I am rebuilding a 4140 HD and just did the steering column. Got the parts from "Pernell" at Ward Implement in Kentucky. He is helpful to say the least. 270-756-2555 My tractor had no PS pump when bought, holes in the hoses and some major issues in the column. I think that part is better, but the whole sheebang is not together yet, so I can't tell for sure. Worst case you may have to R&R the column. It's not hard, and not too spendy. About $150 on mine and I replaced everything I could except one ball bearing that was still good.

Feel free to email me.

John