The Fordson Tractor Pages Forum

Let me start with proper introductions:
My name is Winfried and I live in Kortenhoef in Holland. I'm very, very close to 50 years, former marine engineer, and recently bought a Fordson Dexta (957E69727). For fun, but also for work now and then.
The poor tracor has been maltreated a little bit, but there is still life in it The engine runs, even starts when it's freezing, all the gears work, no oil leaks worth mentioning, there is life in the hydraulic lift although this feature seems to have a mind of its own since it starts moving up by it self sometimes.
In short, good base to start with for restauration.
I have one small problem though; steering.
There is a lot of play in the steering and I don't know exactly how to fix that, but I'm sure one of you knows and maybe is willing to share some good advice.
Thanks in advance.

Welcome to the forum.
A good place to start is Fordson-dexta.de. Stefan rebuilt his steering, and took photos, so suggest you have a read of his website. See also the workshop manuals downloadable from his site

You can start with the top nut under the steering wheel as there is a kit to fix this. Play in the yoke at the bottom of the steering box is harder to fix.
Any specific questions do ask
All the best

Winfried,

Welcome to the board. I also have a Dexta which spent all it's working life in Holland but is now back home. You can read the story behind this on this site.

I would suggest you work through the steering system starting with the link rods, check both end of each rod for wear and replace the worn ends if necessary. Next check the radius rods, check the front end of these which has the long bolt through the front axle, if necessary replace the bolts, then check the ball end, if there's free play here you need to take off the footrest/cup and grind a little off the back face in order to tighten down on the ball, be careful not to take too much off.

When you have done the above you can now find out how much free play you have on the steering wheel itself. Any adjustment here is down to the box itself or most probably the top bearing in the steering column. You will now have gone through the steering system.

I would then check the font wheel bearing and adjust/replace as necessary also the kingpins/spindles on both sides to determine whether you need to replace the bushes or the complete spindle.

The centre pivot pin on the front axle should also be checked as this, if worn, will cause steering problems. It is also adviseable to check the alignment of the front wheels (toe-in or toe-out) there are marks to line up on the top of the spindle and the spindle casting for this purpose.

I hope you have as much pleasure with your Dexta as I'm having.

All the best.

BarryT

Thank you so far for the pointers.
I will follow up and keep you posted on the proceedings.
Cheers...

Hi Winfried,

Welcome to this board. It's great to welcome a fellow Dutchman.
We only live 20 km from eachother.
Are you planning to join the tour in Kockengen on May 13th?
I hope my SuperMajor will be ready before than. Please check the 590e-topic with the World series forum.

I have sent you an email via the Dutch auctionsite Marktplaats. The steeringhouse might be something for you?

My steering used to be very stiff, i overhauled everything you could think of. In the end a new pair of front tyres made the most difference.

Barry T,
That's some good sound advice, you covered that very well.
Well Done!

Thanks Mark, I've done my own so I shared the process I took to go through the complete steering system.

Regards,

BarryT