m95s steering VERY sluggish. Any ideas?

Tracy1971

New member

Equipment
agriculture
On my M95S Kubota Agricultural tractor, it steers but is hard to turn. It is not as hard to turn as when it isn't running but pretty hard. Quick short continuous turns of the wheel will start to make it turn like it should, but stop for just a moment and it's tight again. i checked fluid levels and made sure all other hydraulics function correctly, pulled the lines off steering box leading to front steering cylinder to make sure fluid was moving, and at recommendation of kubota dealer, R&R front steering cylinder and re-sealed it. Made no difference. does anyone have any suggestions for me? It's about 5 yrs old and has 2800 hours on it.
 

Stumpy

New member

Equipment
L175
Dec 1, 2011
848
3
0
NE Ohio
Is it stored outside? First guess would be a failing steering box but it could also be the power steering system. Jack the front end up (don't use the oil pan or anything that pivots with the front axle) til both front tires are floating and try to turn the wheel side to side with the motor off. If it's notchy or hard to turn then your steering box is gone.
 

whitetiger

Moderator
Staff member

Equipment
Kubota tech..BX2370, RCK60, B7100HST, RTV900 w plow, Ford 1100 FWA
Nov 20, 2011
2,938
1,398
113
Kansas City, KS
Check the U-joints on the steering shaft to see that none are binding. Pull the shaft off at the steering valve and rotate the joints around by hand. If they are piviot freely you most likly need a new steering valve.
 

Tracy1971

New member

Equipment
agriculture
Thanks for the suggestions. With the engine off, it is almost impossible to turn as it is with my Kubota M105S which has the exact same system and works properly. The shaft from the steering wheel to the steering valve is almost a straight shot and has one joint that i can examine easily and does not feel in a bind or loose. I'm starting to think steering valve myself. :(