John deere 401C too much play in steering

[bigbadjohn]

I recently purchased a John Deere 402C skip loader, there is about a half turn play in the steering, i don't know where to begin to look
for a solution, i don't know if it's hydraulic or something in the steering column, any ideas?

 

[pjbci]

Have someone sit in the seat and slowly turn the steering wheel back and forth in the slack range while you look at all the moving parts at the front end. Do not stick your hand in there any where. You’ll see where the slack is. More than likely all tie rod ends and cylinder end will have some play but those tractors were bad about getting excessive slack in the splined steering arm.

 

[Tx Jim]

402c doesn't appear in JD model search. If your tractor model is a 401C remove rearmost round inspection cover on LH side of clutch housing. Check bolt(key 14) to be sure it's very tight. Also as previous poster stated check steering linkage for looseness. Check for failed bushings on bellcrank from lack of greasing under center of frt axle where tie rods attach

 

[bigbadjohn]

402c doesn't appear in JD model search. If your tractor model is a 401C remove rearmost round inspection cover on LH side of clutch housing. Check bolt(key 14) to be sure it's very tight. Also as previous poster stated check steering linkage for looseness. Check for failed bushings on bellcrank from lack of greasing under center of frt axle where tie rods attach

My bad, it is a 401C, don't know how i didn't see that mistake

 

[bigbadjohn]

402c doesn't appear in JD model search. If your tractor model is a 401C remove rearmost round inspection cover on LH side of clutch housing. Check bolt(key 14) to be sure it's very tight. Also as previous poster stated check steering linkage for looseness. Check for failed bushings on bellcrank from lack of greasing under center of frt axle where tie rods attach

thanks, i'll check that next, when i turn the wheel, i get almost a half turn before the arm, down below starts to move.

 

[Tx Jim]

90° turn of steering wheel without steering linkage movement is normal when engine isn't operating. After engine is operating about 45° steering wheel travel is normal. The steering shaft inside PS must move up/down a little to activate LH/RH turn control valves inside housing

 

[bigbadjohn]

thanks for the info, i'll check it out, but i believe i had excessive play with the engine running, on a side note, is there a transmission oil level check on these machines? i repaired a leak on a side panel, and lost about 2 to 3 gallons of oil, not sure how much to replace

 

[Tx Jim]

Hyd oil dipstick is located at RH rear of footrest close to trans case. Check oil with trans in neutral engine running at idle speed with nut on dipstick resting on nipple threads

 

[bigbadjohn]

thanks, found it