(ET) stiff steering on E-12M

[Rhett George <rtg ee duke edu>]

 - Greetings -

Perhaps yearly someone asks about stiff steering.  One cause, more
likely if the major part of the front axle is welded instead of 
cast, is that the kingpin portion of the front spindle has galled
inside the bushing.  Steel against steel and aluminum against aluminum
are bad about this, Stainless is worse.

If the bearing surface lacks lubricant then the steel shaft turning
in the steel bushing begins to rub bits of metal, somewhat ball-shaped,
off the mating surface.  These bits have no escape, so they get bigger
as the joint is rotated by steering left-to-right and vice versa
and the joint seizes more and more firmly.

I have had this happen on an E20.

The remedy was to put the front axle up on jackstands, remove the 
wheels, and remove the lock rings atop the kingpin portion.  I was 
lucky and was able to drive the kingpin down and out of the axle
without jet more severe seizing.  The galled steel left sticking 
into the bore was removed with a round file.  The galled steel on 
the kingpin was removed with a flat file.  Gobs of grease were applied, 
parts were reassembled, jack stands removed, and no further trouble 
has come from that part of the tractor.

Good luck.

                                        Rhett