L295DT Loose/Wandering Steering

[Tgore76]

The title says it all! With the tractor off you can turn the steering wheel a couple inches right or left. When you’re driving it’s very loose and constantly wanders.

is this something that can be adjusted or tightened?

 

[Mountain Man Mike]

I had excessive steering wheel play on my L245DT. Determined that both the right and left tie rod end ball joints were completely worn out. After replacing them and getting them adjusted properly for straight front wheel alignment the steering was firm and responsive.

To confirm, you might try turning the steering wheel back and forth while stationary and you may be able to see the slop in the ball joints and/or elsewhere.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Start from the pitman arm and work forward looking for play in joints.
If your getting steering wheel movement before the pitman arm moves, then you will need to do a rebuild on the steering box.
If the Steering box is a power steering box, study the WSM (aka service manual) before attempting to rebuild as they are complicated and parts are hard to get.

 

[Russell King]

I believe the steering box will have some mechanism to remove slop. Probably a threaded screw inside of a nut. I don’t know if that is something to adjust that much slop out but you can look into how to adjust that (if the slop is in the box and not joints)

 

[Tgore76]

Start from the pitman arm and work forward looking for play in joints.
If your getting steering wheel movement before the pitman arm moves, then you will need to do a rebuild on the steering box.
If the Steering box is a power steering box, study the WSM (aka service manual) before attempting to rebuild as they are complicated and parts are hard to get.

How do I know if it’s a “power steering” box?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

How do I know if it’s a “power steering” box?

If it had Power Steering, It would turn easier running then not running?
But looking it up, it doesn't look like PS was an option on the L295.

 

[Tgore76]

I have the cowl and gas tank off for fuel issue, so I have a clear access to steering gearbox.

The play seems before the Pittman arm - thus in the steering column/box.

Does anyone know if there is any “adjustment” screw? I do see a square headed bolt!?

previous posts seem to indicate there aren’t aftermarket replacements, but I’m seeing a few listed such as this one:

New Steering Box Assy FITS Kubota L295 L295DT L295F 37300-16100, 35305-16100 | eBay

Fits Model: L295 L295DT L295F (Manual). New Manual Steering Box Assy COMPATIBLE WITH KUBOTA. 100% Money Back.

www.ebay.com

 

[KennyMillar]

This is the adjustment point.
Remove the rubber bung, loosen (don't remove) the nut.
Inside the nut is a slotted screw head. Adjust the screw, then tighent the nut, and put the bung back.

Turning the screw one way will make things worse, then other way will make it better.

Howvere there are other things inside there that can wear out.
You may not be able to adjust out all the wear.

 

[Tgore76]

This is the adjustment point.
Remove the rubber bung, loosen (don't remove) the nut.
Inside the nut is a slotted screw head. Adjust the screw, then tighent the nut, and put the bung back.

Turning the screw one way will make things worse, then other way will make it better.

View attachment 82134

Howvere there are other things inside there that can wear out.
You may not be able to adjust out all the wear.

Thanks