Steering intermittent power loss

ATN

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L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
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Florida
New member here and new owner of 2006 L4630 GST. I recently added a third function valve for grapple, when I connected the grapple I started having this problem. All other hydraulics work fine, are not sluggish at all. Fluid level is correct, new hydraulic filter installed after problem started but no improvement to problem. I have tried working all functions to purge air too. The machine has 700 hours Has been well Maintained.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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Sounds like the third function is not hooked up properly.
Any pics of the install?
 

ATN

New member

Equipment
L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
8
1
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Florida

North Idaho Wolfman

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Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
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Sandpoint, ID
Is this attached to the T port on the valve?
It should be attached to the P port on the valve.



1693442797534.png
 

ATN

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Equipment
L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
8
1
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Florida
I understand what you are saying, this part of the instructions were the most confusing. The markings on the TFV are not clear. Is it possible if the lines are crossed at P and T that all of the loader functions would still work perfectly and the steering only be affected??? If I switched the lines to P and T is there a chance of damaging anything if it is correct now?
 

North Idaho Wolfman

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L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
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Sandpoint, ID
It should be stamped next to each port.
Just going by their schematic it's backwards.
And no you won't hurt the tractor if it's backwards.
And yes it could effect the steering as the pressure regulator might be jumping around.
If it's the only thing you changed and it worked fine before the install then it's more then likely got to be a plumbing issue.
 

ATN

New member

Equipment
L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
8
1
1
Florida
It should be stamped next to each port.
Just going by their schematic it's backwards.
And no you won't hurt the tractor if it's backwards.
And yes it could effect the steering as the pressure regulator might be jumping around.
If it's the only thing you changed and it worked fine before the install then it's more then likely got to be a plumbing issue.
I completely agree, nothing changed except I added the TFV, however, I switched the lines and I’m still having steering issues. More food for thought, in the process of changing the hydraulic filter I lost about a gallon of oil but the dipstick still shows it in operating range. Is it possible to get air in the system and it only affect the steering? I even tried using the loader to raise the front wheels to work steering to the locks to bleed air (automotive background) but even without the weight load about every 5-6” Of steering wheel travel and it acts like no power steering then goes the same distance like normal. All other hydraulic functions are working perfect.
 

North Idaho Wolfman

Moderator
Staff member
Lifetime Member

Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
Jun 9, 2013
30,529
6,590
113
Sandpoint, ID
I completely agree, nothing changed except I added the TFV, however, I switched the lines and I’m still having steering issues. More food for thought, in the process of changing the hydraulic filter I lost about a gallon of oil but the dipstick still shows it in operating range. Is it possible to get air in the system and it only affect the steering? I even tried using the loader to raise the front wheels to work steering to the locks to bleed air (automotive background) but even without the weight load about every 5-6” Of steering wheel travel and it acts like no power steering then goes the same distance like normal. All other hydraulic functions are working perfect.
First, double check fluid levels, and cycle the steering back and forth, doesn't need to be full strokes.
Then if no improvement, remove the third function loop, so reconnect it without the third function valve and see if steering returns.

What is odd about this is that the pump that runs the steering is different than the pump running the loader and third function.
 

ATN

New member

Equipment
L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
8
1
1
Florida
First, double check fluid levels, and cycle the steering back and forth, doesn't need to be full strokes.
Then if no improvement, remove the third function loop, so reconnect it without the third function valve and see if steering returns.

What is odd about this is that the pump that runs the steering is different than the pump running the loader and third function.
Great idea to bypass TFV and see if it solves the problem. I'll give that a try and let you know. I really appreciate your help with this, thank you so much!
 

ATN

New member

Equipment
L4630 with L853 loader
Aug 29, 2023
8
1
1
Florida
Great idea to bypass TFV and see if it solves the problem. I'll give that a try and let you know. I really appreciate your help with this, thank you so much!
Great idea to bypass TFV and see if it solves the problem. I'll give that a try and let you know. I really appreciate your help with this, thank you so much!
Wolfman, thank you so much for taking the time to help me sort this out. I kept working the hydraulics and it began to improve, I have worked the machine for three days now and it is functioning normally again, it must have had air in the system.
 
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