Loss of hydrostatic & power steering

dhwoodman · Jan 1, 2011

:confused2: I own a Cub Cadet GT3200. I jacked the rear end up high to do some tire work by putting the floor jack under the tow plate.
After setting tractor back down I had NO steering or power to the rear wheels

:confused2:
I checked my oil level & it was very low. I filled it back to normal level but still nothing.
I called my dealer and they thought I may have lost prime on the pump and suggested I use the by-pass and then (with engine off) pump forward & rev. pedals. Next start engine and try it, this proved unsuccessful:confused2:

Does any one have advice for a very puzzled guy????

scoutcub · Jan 6, 2011

Did you happen to put a dent in your Hydraulic filter during this process? It will restrict flow and give you the described symptoms.

Good luck and let us know....

BTW.....:welcome:!

dhwoodman · Jan 19, 2011

Sorry for my slow responce time. The wife had me remodeling the kitchen. This weekend I plan to replace filter even though there is no dent.
I asked the dealer for advice and he told me to look up inside transmision through the holes I will see when filter is removed. He said to check for blockage infront of oil pick-up line. He then said if all is ok and still no hydrostac drive, I will need to dismantle the Hydrostatic Transmision and check the "Gerotor assembly". He said he has had to replace several of these due to their shatering.

The replacement kit is about $200.00 bucks and another $200.00 for labor. I am a little :confused3: nervous about doing it my self but if it comes down to this I think I will take the plunge. :drink:

dhwoodman · Jan 24, 2011

:thumbdown:
New filter and drive system oil change did not work. Looks like it is on to rebuilding the charge pump.

JTKub · Jan 29, 2011

Are you using a Cub Cadet transmission filter? Over the years I have read of 6-8 instances of loss of hydraulics with the use of certain aftermarket or automotive filters. Switching back to a CC filter rectified the situation.

That said, I used Napa/Carquest hydraulic x-ref'd hydraulic filters on mine with no issues what so ever. They weren't any cheaper than a Cub filter though.

Joel

dhwoodman · Jan 30, 2011

Took off seat, rear fender & gas tank. Cleaned area around all transmission parts and removed the Hydrostatic "Auxiliary Charge Pump". The "Gerotor" was all busted into pc.s. Now it's off to the dealer to order new part.:thumbsup:

It was not all that big of a deal to do. I would not suggest this to any one with out having a Cub Cadet "Parts Manual", it was very helpfull in the dismanteling process.

JTKub · Jan 31, 2011

Talk about a strange set of circumstances leading up to the failure, but thanks for the update. There seems to be a rather alarming amount of owners who've had this issue with their 3K series Cub.

dhwoodman · Feb 27, 2011

Finally got-er-done!
Changed out the gear and stared her up and away we went!

Regarding the chalange of this for others - if you wish to do it your self & save about $200.00 bucks -- I would say fairly easy but time consuming. Be sure to take the intire "charge pump" apart to get all the littile metal shavings out of the alum. block. I sprayed mine out with WD40 then air then flooded all holes with trany. fluid to prevent contamination or air pockets.
After assembly is back together be sure to remove the 3 plugs on top of the "Hydrostatic Transmission" and fill her up so you do not start her up dry.
No special tools required, just a wrench set, socket set with 6" extension, a allen wrench set and a parts manual.

As it has been said: " We have nothing to fear but fear its self":cool2: