L4150DT Power Steering Quit

[North Idaho Wolfman]

It's sounding like the steering box needs to be rebuilt?

 

[Nicksacco]

Hi Cisco-

Tank, lines, pump, fluid. Yeah it's kinda looking like the steering is the culprit.

The first thing that came to mind was some kind of obstruction in the steering that would cause the fluid to return to the tank without doing any work. But the way I understand the problem is that the steering doesn't work at all - is that correct?

So maybe it's the mechanical portion of the steering and not the hydraulic section. Obviously I've never had this tractor torn down before, but I'm guessing based on what's been discovered thus far.

What do you think your next move will be?

 

[PoTreeBoy]

It's sounding like the steering box needs to be rebuilt?

Yep, at least he's got the WSM.

 

[CiscoRanger]

It's sounding like the steering box needs to be rebuilt?

Hi Cisco-

Tank, lines, pump, fluid. Yeah it's kinda looking like the steering is the culprit.

The first thing that came to mind was some kind of obstruction in the steering that would cause the fluid to return to the tank without doing any work. But the way I understand the problem is that the steering doesn't work at all - is that correct?

So maybe it's the mechanical portion of the steering and not the hydraulic section. Obviously I've never had this tractor torn down before, but I'm guessing based on what's been discovered thus far.

What do you think your next move will be?

I agree all signs are pointing to the steering box. @Nicksacco the wheels will turn if the tractor is moving, kinda like a non-power steering car, so I don't think it is mechanical.

I'm going to compare the relief spring and poppet when the new ones get here, but I don't have high hopes that is the problem. Its odd that there is absolutely zero pressure on the system. To me seems to indicate a bad relief valve as mentioned, or blown seals in the box.

I have a few options.

1) Messicks does have a full steering gear available, but it is 3k. I'd rather not drop that much if I can avoid it, as it about doubles what I have in the restore from 3k to 6k. But it is an option.

2) This part 060 is also available, which seems to have all the internal seals that would have blown. It's $1500. It would require a full disassembly of the box, and some of the needle bearings and other parts that I would have to remove are no longer available.

3) A lot of the seals are available and this would be about $300, but again, some of the components I might need are missing. And that assumes its only a seal problem.

All that to say, I'm not sure which way I'm going yet. Still thinking on it, while the relief valve parts ship.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Check around locally for steering gear rebuilders, might be an option too.

 

[Nicksacco]

Hmmm, yes I know what you're thinking.
Since the parts / whole unit is available that's at least somewhat consoling.

It's a tough decision to make, to take something all apart BEFORE you have the parts to put it back together just to do an inspection.

Goodluck whatever your decision.