Wandering steering

[foam4me]

After my BX2230 warms up the steering is imprecise. I can turn the steering wheel several rotations with no effect on direction. This happens when trying to turn left or right.
I checked the level of the hydraulic fluid and it is full. I suspect it needs to be bled or the steering control valve is faulty.
I would welcome any input for specific diagnostics and/or repair. It is currently unsafe.

 

[milkman]

Here you go, some of us have already had to deal with this. Not the control valve, just replace the O-rings and seals in the steering cylinder.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/87375-steering-wanders.html?highlight=

 

[JWR]

Here you go, some of us have already had to deal with this. Not the control valve, just replace the O-rings and seals in the steering cylinder.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/kubota-owning-operating/87375-steering-wanders.html?highlight=

Milkman is correct. For reasons unknown this malady is rather common on BX machines. Those little steering cylinders are very prone to seal failure. My theory is it has something to do with being double ended (you see so few of those) but maybe not. Maybe the slight angular forces instead of perfectly in-line thrust ? I had it happen on a BX2200 in LA and the local dealer was not only familiar but stocked the repair kits. On another BX2200 here at home the cylinder leaked (probably because it was awakened too suddenly on a very cold morning rushing out to plow snow ??) but over time it quit leaking and I am still hovering over it prepared with a seal kit on hand. These things are SO COMMON I think Kubota owes the user base an explanation -- one we all know is never coming.

 

[dodge man]

Yeah, its an O-ring and a seal right in the middle of the steering cylinder. I fixed mine less than a year ago. Not at all difficult to fix. Two tricks, drill the hole as talked about in the other thread to poke out the retaining ring, and you really only need to take off one of the ball joints unless you are replacing all your seals. I'm not sure how long it took me, maybe 4 or 5 hours. Kubota makes a kit with all the seals.

Another thread with some pics to help.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ad-something.html?highlight=steering+cylinder

 

[foam4me]

Thanks to all.
Saved a trip to the shop and now I'll learn how to rebuild the sucker.

 

[milkman]

Yeah, its an O-ring and a seal right in the middle of the steering cylinder. I fixed mine less than a year ago. Not at all difficult to fix. Two tricks, drill the hole as talked about in the other thread to poke out the retaining ring, and you really only need to take off one of the ball joints unless you are replacing all your seals. I'm not sure how long it took me, maybe 4 or 5 hours. Kubota makes a kit with all the seals.

Another thread with some pics to help.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/...ad-something.html?highlight=steering+cylinder

I remember reading that thread, that link is priceless when doing the rebuild. Thanks