L345DT steering binding in one direction

[Scooty11]

Hi all, new to orange tractor talks, but have had my L345DT for about fifteen years.
I’ve so far managed to work through most issues I’ve had with the help of the little owners manual I have, but haven’t been able to find a WSM, and I can’t figure this one out, so thought I’d ask here before I started to pull anything apart.
Was using it to slash paddocks yesterday, and the steering started to feel a bit heavy. Checked the oil level on the power steer and it was okay. Checked to see if any of the steering linkages were rubbing, but nothing there either. Took it back out for a while, and now the steering is a little heavier than normal turning left, but you can still feel the benefit of the power steer. But as soon as I start to turn right it’s really heavy, not just from the centre position, from the far left lock as well.
I searched through the power steering related threads on here, but all I could really find were issues relating to oil leaks.
Any insight would be much appreciated.

 

[Dave_eng]

From what I see looking at parts info you could have one of two different types of power steering.

Integral where a conventional looking power steering box has rigid hydraulic lines leading to it and the power comes from hydraulic pressures inside the steering box

The second type is a booster type where the hydraulic power is applied to a hydraulic cylinder which helps turn the front wheels. The booster type has its own independent reservoir.

You need to try and figure out which system you have. If it is the booster one, find the oil tank and make certain its level is correct.

With the integral one you have to figure out if the front wheels can turn side to side easily or is there binding going on. Jack the front of the tractor off the ground and see if the steering effort changes.

Disconnect the linkage between the steering box and front wheels and then rty and steer the front wheels looking for binding.

Dave

.

 

[Scooty11]

Thanks Dave.
It’s definitely the integral type.
And excellent idea to disconnect the steering linkage! Should’ve thought of that one
I’ve looked and can’t see anything obvious in the linkages/ arms to cause binding, but disconnecting should give me an indication if it’s in the box or not.
I’ll do that and see what I find.
Thanks again. I’ll update when I find something.

Scoot

 

[Dave_eng]

Thanks Dave.
It’s definitely the integral type.
And excellent idea to disconnect the steering linkage! Should’ve thought of that one
I’ve looked and can’t see anything obvious in the linkages/ arms to cause binding, but disconnecting should give me an indication if it’s in the box or not.
I’ll do that and see what I find.
Thanks again. I’ll update when I find something.

Scoot

Good luck..... those are reliable tough machines

Dave

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Get the WSM (aka service manual) off of Kubotabooks.com

 

[Scooty11]

Good luck..... those are reliable tough machines

Dave

Thanks.
opened off the linkage and the steering is still tight, so looks like it’s the box.
will have a look at getting the WSM from Kubotabooks.com like Wolfman suggested.

 

[Dave_eng]

Thanks.
opened off the linkage and the steering is still tight, so looks like it’s the box.
will have a look at getting the WSM from Kubotabooks.com like Wolfman suggested.

This link to the parts illustration for the integral PS box may be useful as well as the WSM
L345 PS parts
Dave

 

[Scooty11]

This link to the parts illustration for the integral PS box may be useful as well as the WSM
L345 PS parts
Dave

Thanks Dave.
downloaded the manual and the exploded views and I’ll see how I go over the next few days. I’ll let you know what i find.
thanks for the help

 

[Scooty11]

Get the WSM (aka service manual) off of Kubotabooks.com

thanks.
downloaded the manual, hopefully it‘ll turn out to be nothing too serious.

 

[chico_513]

Have you checked the steering knuckles (spindles)? My M4000 locked up and I assumed it was booster or pump. I disassembled the complete system. It was the right front wheel knuckle. would not rotate. Still have not freed. I have it on a 12 ton press and still haven't been able to free.