L45 Power Steering Problems

[gcsupraman]

Hello.

I'm having problems with my 2015 L45 and I was hoping somebody could point me in the right direction. The repair tech at the local dealer I purchased the machine from has been out (injured) since March so they are not able to help.

The machine has just under 800 hours on it. A week ago I lifted a 400lb vanity on a pallet and the power steering was barely strong enough to turn the wheels. Last night when I used the tractor I had no power steering at all for about 15 seconds after starting. Rocking back and forth the steering eventually worked. I used the machine today for several hours and the power steering was working the majority of the time but occasionally it would be very weak.

I've done the basic maintenance on the machine since I bought it with around 380 hours 5 years ago. This is the first time anything has broken. The hydraulic fluid and filter was changed at 760 hours and is clear. The two grease fittings on top of the knuckles (?) in the front have been greased regularly as well as the two underneath.
I can't seem to find anything obviously wrong. Any ideas??

Thank you

 

[Lug66]

The simplest items to check would be: Verify correct fluid type was used. Correct level per operators manual with any attachments in their appropriate position (up, down, extend or retract), No leaks noted, Check the hose ends for tightness at the steering cylinder and controller. Bleed the steering system by turning the steering wheel slowly in each direction several times with the engine running above idle RPM.
Sometimes you have to get creative in the bleeding process. I've had to raise the front axle off the ground and tilt the axle to get an air slug out of the cylinder.
I hope this helps solve your steering issue.

 

[gcsupraman]

The simplest items to check would be: Verify correct fluid type was used. Correct level per operators manual with any attachments in their appropriate position (up, down, extend or retract), No leaks noted, Check the hose ends for tightness at the steering cylinder and controller. Bleed the steering system by turning the steering wheel slowly in each direction several times with the engine running above idle RPM.
Sometimes you have to get creative in the bleeding process. I've had to raise the front axle off the ground and tilt the axle to get an air slug out of the cylinder.
I hope this helps solve your steering issue.

Thanks for your response.

The hydraulic fluid I used was the OEM fluid from the dealer. I checked the level, all was good. I tried bleeding the steering but it was still hanging up.

I spent some additional time searching on this forum and didn't come up with much - it's clearly not a common problem. Several years ago another member posted about a bearing in his steering shaft that was locked up but he had a different model. In addition to that being an option, I thought maybe the front steering cylinder could be bleeding internally or the pump controller could be bad.

Without much to go on I decided to double check the easiest thing which was the bearing. I removed the steering pump controller and sure enough, the bearing was completely seized. The steering shaft was slipping inside the frozen bearing.

I crossed referenced the bearing and ordered a Timken 6004-2RS double rubber sealed bearing.
Should be at my house in a few days. Fingers crossed.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

If you still have issues after the bearing change.
Lift the front wheels off the ground and see if it steers, if it does, then you more then likely have a bad internal seal in the steering cylinder.

 

[Lug66]

Good find on tracking down that seized bearing.

 

[gcsupraman]

Good find on tracking down that seized bearing.

Fingers crossed that was the issue but I feel pretty confident. It’s totally seized. I’ll report back in a few days when I get the new bearing installed.

I’m attaching pictures in case anyone else has this same problem in the future.

 

[#40Fan]

I'd be tempted to stick the stub shaft back in (not connecting to column shaft) and try turning it by hand with a pair of pliers. See if things work without the bearing.