L2900 GST Steering Issue - Fluid Leak ( L3300 L3600 L4200 )

[dog rocket]

Hello, I just found and joined this forum. I'm hoping somebody can steer me in the right direction. hahahee <whew>

I fired my L2900 GST up and took it about 10 feet when I realized I had no steering to the right. I still had steering to the left. Here are the specific symptoms:

• turn to the right = massive leak and no wheel response
• turn to the left = operation normal, no leak
• powered down and steered left is fine but with no PS
• powered down and steered right = no response
• transmission, loader and rear hydraulics all operate as normal

I do have the factory workshop manual which I have been studying intently...

Please note my GST tractor has the hydrostatic power steering. I pulled off the covers under the steering wheel to expose the Steering Controller and the hoses look fine with no signs of leaking.

The Hydraulic Pump and Regulator Valve as viewed from the right side of the motor also look clean and dry.

The major leak with the steering turned right appears to be coming from between the Steering Controller and Hydraulic Pump, streaming down the side of the transmission case.

I can't see the hoses at all. I can't believe they are in there so tight and deep, especially for something that should be readily serviceable. They drop from the Steering Controller through a boot and behind the firewall hump before finding their way to the Hydraulic Pump area. When I was trying to get in there to see what I could see with a flashlight, I did see a rat's nest up in the same firewall area. I'm hoping my issue is a hose that's been chewed through. I poked and prodded with the longest screwdriver I have and got some of the nest out but like I said, it's tight!

My question is two-fold:

1. Am I on the right track in thinking a loss to steering in one direction should be traceable to the Steering Controller or could there be another issue somewhere in the chain?

2. What's the best way to access this area? Is the floorboard (deck) easily removable? That looks like the best way to see what's going on. I can't see or access anything from below.

Thanks for your help!
Randy

 

[100 td]

Looks like you'll be fitting "Armstrong" power steering from here on!

 

[lugbolt]

Need to find and fix the leak first and foremost. I'm thinking that it may solve your issue. There are 2 hoses that run from the controller to the steering cylinder. One is pressurized to steer right, the other left. If one had a leak, you lose steering in one direction.

 

[dog rocket]

Need to find and fix the leak first and foremost. I'm thinking that it may solve your issue. There are 2 hoses that run from the controller to the steering cylinder. One is pressurized to steer right, the other left. If one had a leak, you lose steering in one direction.

Yes, what I meant is that I am guessing it is one of the 4 hoses coming out of the controller. Does that sound plausible?

Anyone know how hard it is to remove the floorboard (deck)?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Yes, what I meant is that I am guessing it is one of the 4 hoses coming out of the controller. Does that sound plausible?

Anyone know how hard it is to remove the floorboard (deck)?

You don't remove the step plate (floor boards) to get to the controller or lines, they are under the steering post undercover.

 

[dog rocket]

I was able to locate the leak. It was one of the hoses from the controller and it was caused by the rat.

 

[dog rocket]

You don't remove the step plate (floor boards) to get to the controller or lines, they are under the steering post undercover.

Thanks! I had not noticed that inspection cover (actually a very large grommet) in the firewall shown in your exploded view before last night. Removing that allowed me to remove the nest and locate the leak.

Can I ask what publication you found that exploded view? The workshop manual is lacking for illustrations

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks! I had not noticed that inspection cover (actually a very large grommet) in the firewall shown in your exploded view before last night. Removing that allowed me to remove the nest and locate the leak.

Can I ask what publication you found that exploded view? The workshop manual is lacking for illustrations

That is out of the WSM, what is the Number (they all it a code #) or P/N of the manual you have, it will be on the last page.
The manual I have is P/N 97897-11610
Those pictures came from page 7-S10

 

[MOTORMOUTH]

Itoo have a similar issue, however the Leake is not the controller or the hoses to the steering cylinder. It gushes out from obove and behind the cylinder when turning to the left, and the wheels don't turn. It turns right, but not left. Thank you in advance

 

[johndeerebones]

Itoo have a similar issue, however the Leake is not the controller or the hoses to the steering cylinder. It gushes out from obove and behind the cylinder when turning to the left, and the wheels don't turn. It turns right, but not left. Thank you in advance

You'll get more replies on your own thread. Sounds like the cylinder.