2910 PS noise after service

hayden · Jun 9, 2001

I did my 50hr service last weekend and used my tractor for the first time yesterday. This was actually the second service: the first was at about 15hrs, then the next at about 58hrs. After last weekend's service I started the tractor, raised and lowered the loader, then left it.

When I started using it today I noticed a winning sound from the PS anytime I turn the wheel. It's not real loud, but was definitely not there before. Sounds like when you turn the steering hard to one extreem, and I presume is the sound of the relief valve.

Any ideas? I have visions of the dreaded PS lockout problem that several people have reported in the past on 2710 and 2910 machines.

kubmech · Jun 10, 2001

Hayden, raise the front wheels off the ground with the loader, at half throttle, turn the wheel and hold in relief for a few seconds in each direction to bleed out any air in the system. See if that helps. You did'nt mention if the steering was more difficult to turn.

hayden · Jun 11, 2001

I'll try that - thanks.

The steering doesn't seem any more or less difficult. It all seems to operate OK, but just has this new noise. I did try a few side to side turns but didn't do any hard lock to lock turns.

I have visions of crud lodged in the PS pump and becoming the next victum of "The Power Steering Problem"

hayden · Jul 8, 2001

I tried the lock to lock with the front end lifted off the ground. No difference.

Any more thoughts? It does seem to work OK, but makes a lot of squeeling noise. It can't be right.

kubmech · Jul 9, 2001

Better get it checked out. That was my only thought without hearing/feeling for myself.

Alan L. · Jul 10, 2001

I hate to butt in on other people's problems, but you know during all the problems I've had with my power steering I had not noticed any unusual noises. UNTIL my power steering assembly was changed out and the dealer/Kubota fooled around with my tractor trying to duplicate the problem.

Since then I have noticed when I go to the stops there is a short squeal that I don't recall being there before. Or perhaps its because I am so tuned in to the steering I'm just now noticing it.

Alan L., TX

kubmech · Jul 10, 2001

Alan, if you go to the "stops" it will squeel which tells you the relief valve is functioning properly. Probably never noticed 'cause you don't normally go there on a regular basis.

hayden · Jul 11, 2001

Right, squeels at the stops is expected. Mine squeels everytime you turn the wheel.

It's at the dealer now

hayden · Jul 11, 2001

I talked to the mechanic today. He agrees it's not right, but didn't have the tools/fittings to attach pressure gauges to see whats going on. He's working with Kubota to see if they even have the tools or if he needs to make them.

hayden · Jul 19, 2001

I took the tractor back while the dealer waits for parts and guess what - the noise is gone. I talked to the mechanic and all they did was crack open one of the lines to see about getting a pressure gauge on, and that's when they ran into trouble with fittings and adapters etc.

Sure seems like it was air in the system, but why wouldn't is bleed out on it's own?