Case 580c steering problems

apm · Dec 12, 2011

We"ve got an early eighties model 580C. The seal on the top of the steering valve started leaking and it pumped oil up through the steering column. We replaced the seal with an OEM Case part and did nothing else to the valve. After reinstalling the valve, the wheels pull all of the way to the left and stay unless you"re holding the steering wheel steady. It can be driven and seems to steer fine as long as you"re moving, but as soon as you stop, the wheels pull all of the way to the left. If you try to dig or work while the wheels are left, the pump starts smoking within a couple of minutes. Any ideas that could cause this?
We've double and triple checked that everything is hooked back up as it originally was.
Thanks, Greg

oldnslo · Dec 12, 2011

apm said:
We"ve got an early eighties model 580C. The seal on the top of the steering valve started leaking and it pumped oil up through the steering column. We replaced the seal with an OEM Case part and did nothing else to the valve. After reinstalling the valve, the wheels pull all of the way to the left and stay unless you"re holding the steering wheel steady. It can be driven and seems to steer fine as long as you"re moving, but as soon as you stop, the wheels pull all of the way to the left. If you try to dig or work while the wheels are left, the pump starts smoking within a couple of minutes. Any ideas that could cause this?
We've double and triple checked that everything is hooked back up as it originally was.
Thanks, Greg

Did you have to dismantle the steering unit to replace the seal? Remove any snap rings or slide the shaft back and forth? If yes you may have dislodged some leaf type centering springs and these are a PITA to reassemble. Some units are more sensitive than others.

Roy

apm · Dec 12, 2011

Hi Roy,

We had the top cap off of the steering valve by removing 4 bolts and a snap ring. I can see the little springs you are talking about in the parts diagram. It looks like it holds the vanes against the wall of the gerotor. I don't see how they could have come out with what we did, but maybe you're right. How would that cause the symptom of pulling to the left?

Thanks,
Greg

jackkissell · Mar 31, 2016

apm said:
We"ve got an early eighties model 580C. The seal on the top of the steering valve started leaking and it pumped oil up through the steering column. We replaced the seal with an OEM Case part and did nothing else to the valve. After reinstalling the valve, the wheels pull all of the way to the left and stay unless you"re holding the steering wheel steady. It can be driven and seems to steer fine as long as you"re moving, but as soon as you stop, the wheels pull all of the way to the left. If you try to dig or work while the wheels are left, the pump starts smoking within a couple of minutes. Any ideas that could cause this?
We've double and triple checked that everything is hooked back up as it originally was.
Thanks, Greg

I was wondering if you figured out what the problem was with your steering problem on your 580c.