Ford/NH 3930 steering system

[blehmann]

I'm trying to find a small leak somewhere in the system. I thought that it would be the steering cylinder since it was covered in greasy dirt, but after pressure washing it I can't find a leak in the connections or any fluid seeping out of the packing gland. After looking it over as best as I can without removing sheet metal, etc. I'm wondering about the steering column valve. A couple of questions as I look. Is the power steering system a closed system, meaning all of the fluid is circulated by the pump at the left front of the tractor, and is the cooling loop typically a problem? The leak isn't terrible. I add probably less than a pint every ten hours of operation. I do have a little leak somewhere in the steering column because it will gradually build a greasy spot on top of the transmission in front of the shift levers.

 

[TractorTech]

The leak is coming from the steering motor under the dash. Most leaks come from there or the cylinder. The lines to and from the pump and cooler don't normally have a problem

 

[blehmann]

I appreciate that, but I'm just not seeing enough oil and dirt build-up to think the amount of oil that I'm replacing is coming from the steering motor. Something is dumping oil near the front of the tractor. The engine oil level is holding steady, the steering system is not. I say that because a bad front seal would be dumping oil on the steering cyclinder. I've not seen a drip, but I wasn't looking from one coming from above the steering cylinder, either. I put new packing in the loader lift cylinders this morning, so now I can start the tractor and crawl under it without getting dripped on. I'll find it. It is just a matter of removing some sheet metal and watching for awhile.