2005 john deere 3120 steering problems

   / 2005 john deere 3120 steering problems #1  

bry

New member
Joined
Aug 4, 2003
Messages
2
I just purchased a 2005 3120 with 140 hours. The tractor wont drive straight, it slowly turns to the left unless you are constantly correcting to the right. Has anyone ran into this problem before and knows the resolution?

Thanks!
 
   / 2005 john deere 3120 steering problems #2  
:welcome: to TBN

There is no "mechanical" connection to the front wheels, and the hyd. steering is not like an auto's where you can hold the steering wheel in one position and continue in that direction.
There will be some drift like you speak of, but maybe yours is worse than normal.
 
   / 2005 john deere 3120 steering problems #3  
start with the basics, are the indivisual brakes locked together and is the parking brake set. if only the left brake is set with the parking brake it would explain the drifting if it is not set too hard . also check the rear tire pressures they should be even. Any recent repairs to tie rods or steering components. the toe may be set wrong.
 
   / 2005 john deere 3120 steering problems #4  
Usually if something sits or steers funny I check for properly inflated tires first, then suspension issues (none on that tractor) but if there's no "natural lean" then I'd see if the steering set-up has been bent/altered. There's a thrust nut to take out play in the axle front to back, and an adjustment nut on the tie rod for the toe-in. The thrust nut needs regular attention, but I'd be surprised if the toe adjustment moved by accident--possible I suppose. Both procedures for service and adjustment are well-described in the manual. Have the tires been replaced at some point and the steering left where the old tires rolled?
The front axle seals on these models have a history of leaking, and if that was an addressed problem, everything comes apart for that service... might not have gone back together right... dragging brake? Could be a number of things, but starting simply and eliminating possible maintenance items you can hopefully solve it before you get to service/adjustment/repair. I look forward to hearing what you find.
 
   / 2005 john deere 3120 steering problems #5  
bry you have described a leaking valve in the steering. I have run into this problem on larger 10 and 20 series tractors. Have a listen as you drive along on a flat piece of ground with the steering "no hands". If you can hear a hissing that stops when turning the steering wheel then the valve in the steering is leaking.It is a nuisance , but can be lived with. My boss won't fix the valve and I have added 2300 hrs since raising the matter.
 

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