Combines steering question on a 1660

we had a 1992 1660 that did the same thing we had to replace a bunch of stuff like tie rod ends and other things back then warrenty covered it all. the best thing to do is to jack the back end up and see whats loose and when your combining make nice wide turns instead of sharp turns when you turn around on headlands and try not to back up when you turn around thats what really wears out the sterring

rwm3, the biggest thing I've seen over the years that causes most steering problems and wear of components is the toe-in of rear wheels. I'd almost bet if you measured distance at spindle height on front of rear tires and rear of tires would be greater distance in front, should not be must be narrower in front. If toed out rear wheels are like a funnel and any small correction in steering seems drastic, constantly correcting. Also wears old smaller hubs out in a hurry and steeing tie rods. But you will have some wander on road without header.

this maybe a stupid question but.....are the heads on when you travel on the roadIJ i thought my combine would steer better w_o the heads on. but found out that it is a lot worse. very difficult to drive staight. atleast that's my experience. good luck! Duane

Duane, i have only drove the combine down the road a couple times with a "head" on.....i really could not get up to speed due to oncoming traffic to see if the same difficult steering ocurred. but there is deffinitely something wrong......it is not a pretty site to be behind it when it is shifting side to side like that....nor fun in the driver seat. have you made any attempt to change the way yours steers minus the headIJ we have an ih 1460 that we have been using since 1980....it has the fat larger rear tires that came on those models...never noticed it having the same problem, but it does not have the cummins engine in it nor the ability to go as fast. bob

when i bought my 1620 the dealer drove it from the guy's place that traded it in. they were only able to drive it a little ways due to it steering so poorly. they went back to the shop and got all new tie rods and replaced them in order to drive it. i would guess most of the problem is back there somewhere. i haven't done anything to the steering w_o heads. it rarely has one off. the only reason the last time was to drive it to our mechanics place to work on the combine. with a head on it steers just fine. w_o just have to slow down some. good luck! Duane