Hard steering

Probably so if using a front mounted attachment otherwise if in good condition and well maintained should be about the same as a Cub or LoBoy. JMHO Stan
 
Nothing mounted. It is the hardest steering tractor I have ever owned. Something aint right. Was going to grease the steering box but cant get my grease gun in there to grease it. There is a plug up above, can I lube through it.
 
JMHO You're probably going to have to clean the old grease/water infiltration out of the gear box before you get it to steer normally. They're a PIA to work on. I recommend removing the linkage from the steering box and try to work some penetrating oil/trans fluid, etc into what's there. 50+ years is a long time to go without TLC especially if it's been outside in the weather. Stan
 
My 154 was hard to steer when I purchased it. I took moving parts apart and cleaned and replaced tie rod ends and made them greaseable. When I mow lawn I can steer with 2 fingers if I am moving. When I grease king pins I jack front off the ground.
 
I removed the plug on the steering box and ran a length of wire in, pulled it out and the grease looked good and was full. I noticed that when I turned the steering wheel the drag link rod would flex a little and the steering lever would move forward a little. I greased the steering lever and that helped some. The biggest improvement came when I switched tires. I had taken the wide tires off and put narrow trailer tires on it. I assumed the narrow tires would steer easier, but not the case. Maybe the wider tires spread the load better. The wide tires are more rounded at the edges so maybe that helped. It turns a lot easier now and is tolerable. I had replaced some of the tie rod ends and may try greasing them to see if that helps also.
 
Try removing weight from axle when you grease it.
My king pins were really hard to move. I took every thing apart and it really made a difference. I drilled holes in my tie rod end and grease them with chain saw bar grease gun.
 
I got everything greased and still somewhat harder than I think it should be. I did some mowing and as long as it is moving, not to bad. My 8N feels like power steering compared to the 154. It does have a squeak in upper part of steering column, so I am guessing that upper bearing needs greased or replaced.
 
Turns fairly easy with drag link disconnected. I get a little drag when turning far right and thats when it squeaks. I need to pull the steering wheel to check the upper bearing. How much play is normal at the steering arm, it moves up a little when I turn the steering wheel.
 
Unbound said:
I don't thing there should be any up down movement of steering wheel as you turn it. There will be minimal fore aft movement of the pitman arm at midway point left to right. Do you have service manual GSS1408? It is available free in the library here. Section 3 of the manual gives quite good instruction and photos of the steering gear. After you make the adjustments per the manual turn steering left and right to make sure it is free in both directions. If it binds when turn left or right you will have to loosen the straight ahead adjustment a little bit.
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Ahhh, item 8 . When new it would have very little free play or unwanted twisting motion. I would not think Item 8 would cause hard steering if greased. It will increase free play at the steering wheel if pivot pint is worn.
 
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