BX Steering Issue - Need Another Opinion

[Old School]

I've read some previous post and believe I have the answer to my problem but would like a second opinion before I take it apart.

First I noticed my steering wheel will continue to turn very slowly after the wheels have hit the stops. Drives straight when mowing. Using the FEL with a load the wheels just barely turn when sitting still.

I believe it to be the steering cylinder seals, the part the tie rods are attached to and not the steering unit located under the steering wheel.

Am I on the right track?

 

[SPYDERLK]

There is a problem with the steering cylinder seals wearing out, but it is much more extreme. ... The steering wheel will freewheel sometimes if you dont turn it quickly. It gets slowly worse until the Oring on the cyl piston is replaced. -- In contrast, what you describe is leakage at the pump supplying the cyl, or, in the heavy assist case, of the relief valve in that power assist circuit. This is normal. There is only a fluid coupling to your steering so a little leakage will show as lost motion.
larry

 

[skipperbrown]

If you can't turn the wheels w/ the fel attached and loaded up, your steering cylinder should be rebuilt. I just did this and it wasn't an e z job. Next time I'll have the dealer do it or just replace the cylinder depending on price.

 

[Old School]

I ended up rebuilding the steering cylinder. Parts were $35. Took about 2 hours. The spring clips were the biggest hassle.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I ended up rebuilding the steering cylinder. Parts were $35. Took about 2 hours. The spring clips were the biggest hassle.

Those end seal replacements in the cyl kit couldnt have been the problem or you would have seen external leakage. $35 is a lot for an oring which is the kit part that wears out frequently - and that wouldnt fit your described symptoms either because even a worn oring will deflect and seal tight with a quick steering input. Perhaps your oring was torn? Did the rebuild help at all?
larry

 

[Old School]

From what I can tell it seems to have helped but I haven't had an opportunity to fully test it with a heavy load. I don't get any wondering as some have described.
My other thought is it's the pressure relief valve on the control valve not providing enough pressure too the steering. What your thought?

 

[SPYDERLK]

My other thought is it's the pressure relief valve on the control valve not providing enough pressure too the steering. What your thought?

That is my thot. With a heavy load those wheels can be very hard to turn at standstill. Esp if youhave Ags on good ground. They lock in pretty hard. I cant turn the wheels on the 7520 with a heavy load when stopped.
larry

 

[skipperbrown]

On mine, the o ring was definitely worn. One little $1 o ring can ruin the whole steering. I've got about 10 hrs on mine a/ replacement and it is turning like a champ.

 

[SPYDERLK]

I find mine last about 600hrs. Then I put up with adventurous steering fo about another 100 before changing it. I just changed to my 3rd so im good for a couple yrs.
larry