Jerky Power Steering

[kmartinatc]

I have a Mahindra 5530 4WD; the power steering is jerky but only occurs occasionally. I did have a power steering leak near the front axles. I have tightened the fittings and still have a minor leak at that spot. Do you think the PS pump could be sucking air from that spot? The fluid levels appear normal to me.

 

[oldnslo]

When you say jerky steering. Is the steering wheel jerky or just the tires turning?

If the steering wheel stops and starts that indicates you are trying to turn faster than available pump flow.

If the tires are jerky that could be an indication of air in the steering cylinder or possibly even bad seals on the cylinder.

If in 4WD on hard surface could also be feed back from the tires trying to propel the tractor around the turn.

 

[kmartinatc]

Steering wheel is jerky even operating at slow speeds and not turning sharply.

 

[oldnslo]

Jerky steering would indicate low flow of oil feeding the steering unit. Not familiar with Mahindra hydraulic systems but I would suggest getting a hydraulic schematic for your tractor and if possible post it on this site. This would provide the base line for starting some diagnostics Vs SWAG (Scientific Wild *** Guess).

Can you install a pressure gauge in the inlet line to the steering unit. Usually these are well hidden under the dash and difficult to access. A flow meter would also be great since this appears to be a flow issue (another SWAG).

 

[sellercreek]

You have air in your system and it has to be purged. If you turn the steering wheel slowly all the way to lock on the left then slowly all the way to lock on the right it should eliminate the problem. May have to repeat process a few times. Also, be sure your steering reservoir is topped off before starting process.

 

[bindian]

What Sellercreek stated in post #5. You will have to turn the wheel full left and full right multiple times. Does it do it when rpms are above 1000?
hugs, Brandi