Steering noise in my NH Workmaster 35

[cgmeyer77]

I purchased a barely used NH Workmaster 35 (2014) with 180 hours on it and noticed a "growl" in he steering along with a significant vibration in the hydraulic pipes to/from the steering system. One of the pipes had actually cracked. I replaced the pipe, changed the fluid (waiting on a new filter) and the noise is still there. Particularly bad with weight in the loader. I figured it was air in the system and I tried the recommended purge by taking weight off the front axle and turning the wheel all the way left and right with a 5 second hold. Also changed out the gear oil in the front axle, and the engine oil. No luck, still bad vibration noise in those steering hydraulics. Its another cracked pipe withing to happen. Any thoughts/ advice would be appreciated!

CM

 

[Raspy]

That sounds like a much deeper problem than fluid level or air. I'm thinking the pump is failing. My NH has a simple ram assist on the steering. Is that what yours uses. Let us know what you find.

 

[cgmeyer77]

yes, simple ram assist on the front end. I think the steering pump shares a common sump with the rest of the hydraulics/ transmission. No progress yet. Going to finish changing out all the fluids/filters and see if that helps. Any way to diagnose if its the steering valve or steering pump that's the issue? Thanks

 

[Raspy]

I have no idea if the steering pump is different than the hydraulic pump. Find that out first and then make sure there is enough fluid for that pump. If the main hydraulic pump supplies steering pressure, then the problem is in the steering system, assuming the rest of the hydraulics work fine.

I've just never had a reason to look deeper on mine, and it has been fine.

While you're at it, be sure the front drive shaft is lubed well. This is another problem it took me a while to work out. Lots of noise even though I did grease the front shaft zerks. Find them and grease them a lot.

 

[bacononeactual]

I have a LS G3038... essentially same tractor. Mine does that too if it makes you feel any better and has since new, especially with weight in loader. Let me know if you figure it out.