6284 tight power steering

[scoutcub]

Got an 07 CC 6284 that has had tight p/s ever since I've bought it. It's been parked in the garage for the past few years now, but we recently finished moving to a place where I can start using it. Currently out of country, but will look into the problem upon my return and looking for any advice on the subject....I've already changed out the hydro fluid/filter, that didn't do anything....mind you it's not like manual steering, but other tractors I've had have all been much easier to turn.
Does the p/s pump have it's own reservoir? Is it belt driven? I hate asking questions that I should know the answer to, but never recently looked that closely at the motor.....shame on me! Now I'm just trying to go on memory alone, and that's failing me as well.....!

 

[jnelson]

I'm sure the power steering is driven by the main hydraulic pumps - not a separate pump. To confirm I just looked at the owners manual and there is no reference to checking power steering fluid level on an engine mounted pump so the fluid must come from a shared source (the hydraulic fluid in the trans).

I suppose there is some chance that the power steering is driven by its own pump segment if the hydraulic pump is multi-segment or multi-stage but that would require a shop manual to determine. I'm guessing the power steering source is the main hydraulic pump.

I guess I'd start by looking to see if there are any kinked lines or hoses leading to or from the steering mechanism. If nothing obvious turns up there I think you should jack up the front end onto jack stands and see how easy the front end moves with no load on it. Temporarily disconnect the power steering hoses from the steering cylinder so that you are not trying to move the front end against the hydraulic resistance - note that fluid will run or squirt out when you do so cover the ports with a rag and put down a pan.

I have seen some posts from owners of 5200 series Cubs reporting early failures of tie rod ends on their steering so maybe something is 'dry' and seizing in your front end. If by chance there are issues in the tie rod ends I also have a copy of the thread where someone replaced their factory tie rod ends with aftermarket Timken rod ends that are greasable and much heftier than the factory parts. I can send you that if you need it.

If you can't detect resistance in any of the front end components then reconnect the power steering hoses and you'll need to examine the power assist more closely. At this point you may need to get a shop manual to discuss diagnostics techniques in more detail.

All of the above advice is based on theory as I have never actually worked on a 6284 front end. Hopefully someone with practical experience will weigh in here with more and/or better advice.

Good luck with it. Let us know what you find.

JN

 

[OldMachinist]

Here's what the service manual says about tight steering.

Cub says the 7000 series service manual is used for the 6284 and I've uploaded the manual here.
Cub_Cadet_7000_Series_Domestic_Service_Repair_Manual.pdf

 

[jnelson]

Old Machinist,

Thanks for that. I thought that was probably the case but didn't want to offer that advice since I was not sure. I was planning on taking a look at my 6284 and comparing it to the 7000 manual before making more specific recommendations like that.

And actually, I was hoping you would jump in here and clarify it exactly the way you did!

JN

 

[scoutcub]

Jeff and OM -

Thanks for the input, greatly appreciated! Now I've got something to go on when I return next month.
OM, you are the manual master! I will break out my printer here and try to print the service manual, greatly appreciated!