Power Steering Fluid Leak

[db2]

I have a 2004 TC40DA and presently the power steering fluid is coming out the cap of the fluid reservoir. Splatters the engine compartment and/or just runs down the outside of the reservoir. When I removed the cap the fluid is right up to the holes inside the rim. I haven't ever added fluid. The tractor sat for three weeks, I warmed it up then drove it at 2100 RPM down the driveway. After about 10 minutes I got off and noticed the fluid on the right underside of the tractor engine. Definitely power steering fluid but can't figure out why it is exiting the reservoir. My dealer is looking in to this but this is a new one on him and we don't know how to trouble shoot the problem.

Anyone have any ideas? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

Travelling tomorrow but will check in Wednesday.

Thanks.

 

[Soundguy]

On some o fthe older fords.. ps fluid leaving the resv was due to a clogged filter.. etc..

Soundguy

 

[wvrocks]

I don't have quite the same situation but my TC-33da just started leaking PS fluid all over the place this weekend. Not sure when it started but it was leaking pretty good when I finally noticed it. I was running my landscape rake almost all day and when I changed to my mower in the afternoon I saw it dripping down from the bottom of the tractor. There was some under the HST pedal too. I pulled the 2 side cowls off under the dash and everything on the right side was coated in oil. There was some on the left but it was mostly on the right. I haven't had time to track it down where its coming out yet but the fluid isn't showing in the slits in the reservoir. I did notice earlier in the day that if you turned the wheel to full lock the steering wheel would kind of creep around if you kept pressure against it. I couldn't remember if it had always been that way and I just now noticed it or if it was something new. I only have about 56hrs on the machine now and was planning on doing my 50 hr service this weekend and replacing the hydro cooler lines with the new style. Guess I'll just have one more thing to work on now. Anyone have experience with this variation of the power steering leak? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif

 

[daTeacha]

On my new DX29, I had a seriously large leak at about 7.5 hours. It was the high pressure line leading directly from the bottom of the hydraulic pump on the right side of the engine, just in front of the loader quick connect area.

The L shaped hard line is about 3/32 too short on the long leg on mine. The leak came from the O ring at the connection to the pump having been pinched or torn in the original installation. I got new rings (plus a free hat and gallon of Hytran Ultra) from the dealer. When I put it back together, I tightened the short leg of the L to the pump first, then drew down the bolts for the long leg, since they were aligned, but just a little short.

Mine was blowing oil like a garden hose, and definitely under pressure -- I oiled the grass about 10 feet from the tractor.

Your leak is in the same area, I think. Dry it off, then have someone start it up while you sit there and watch all the points where the lines connect to something. It'll show up pretty quickly, I think. If not, have them lift a load with the bucket or 3 point to put some pressure on lines at the back of the pump and/or try the steering while watching the front of the pump. Good Luck.

On mine, that's the same fluid as the transmission and everything else except the engine -- Hy Tran Ultra meeting Case spec MS1209. What does the NH version call for? I'm just looking for a less costly oil that meets the same standard and I figure the NH version is the same machine except for color so the oils are the same, too.

 

[Soundguy]

CNH still uses, AFAIK.. M2C134D

Soundguy

 

[daTeacha]

Thanks. How does the price compare to HyTran Ultra? It seems the oils should be the same quality since the tractors are the same beneath the skin, and I understand that Hytran Ultra is kind of pricey.

Aside from the proprietary price gouging, is there any reason for two different standards?

 

[wvrocks]

Thanks, I'll check that area out. I have to reconnect the ignition to the side panel and clean things up a bit first. Already talked to the dealer and decided I'd try to find the source before having him come and get it. If its repairable in the field he'll bring me the parts.

 

[db2]

Well I tried everything today. Cleaned it up and waited for a leak. Had my betterhalf sitting in the drivers seat at the controls while I watched for the leak. Did everything I could think of.........no leak. Seems to happen only when the hood is down and no one is watching. My local dealer has a new filter/reservoir for me so I'll change that and see what happens. Hopefully that is the fix. I'll let you know. /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

 

[db2]

Changing the filter solved the problem.....no more leaks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[db2]

Changing the filter solved the problem.....no more leaks. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif