Dirt Moving 3520 Steering Problem

317140 · Jan 26, 2012

I was using my 3520 to level off a spot for a new shed that I am planning to build. As I was using the tractor the steering started to require more and more effort to turn. The steering wheel felt strange as it felt as if it was trying to move around on its own. The tractor has 505hrs on it. The hydraulic fluid and filter were changed at 100hrs. I was wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. The fluid checks fine. The only other symptom it has is a very slight pump whine when I use the loader at low throttle, as soon as I increase rpms the whine goes away. I don't even know if the two are related. Wondering what to check before I have to get the dealer involved.

JD 4520 · Jan 26, 2012

Did you check the power steering fluid and pump? Doesn't sound like hydraulic issues to me.

AKfish · Jan 27, 2012

Steering pump noise - at least at low idle - is not really something to be very alarmed with - IMO. That's fairly typical for nearly all equipment; cars, trucks, loaders, tractors.

When it happens at all rpm levels and the steering surges or jerks; well, that's a different level of concern!

Your steering pump is integral to the entire hydraulic system on your tractor. If you've got pump problems - pump failing, debris or air in the system - you would likely have other hydraulic system problems as well. With your loader or the 3pt or if you have an eHydro tranny - transmission issues.

That's not an absolute, however. If you have a steering motor problem or a problem with the steering cylinder; they can manifest problems with your steering that would not be "systemic" with the rest of the tractor's hydraulic functions.

AKfish

sunnyside360 · Jan 27, 2012

I had a very similar issue with my 4320 when using the fel with buckets full of gravel and dirt (very heavy loads). It turned out the steering pump relief valve was intermittently popping due to overloading the front. Adding a ballast box on the rear 3ph resolved my problem. (thanks to kennyd for his help).

On another occasion, I had similar issue but a little different. That turned out to be a loose hydraulic connection on the power steering cylinder. Apparently it was loose enough to suck air but not leak fluid. Anyway, tightening the fittings on the steering cylinder fixed it.

RoyJackson · Jan 28, 2012

Check your front tire pressures too. Low pressure can make for difficult steering, but the tire sidewalls may not bulge.

317140 · Jan 29, 2012

I think I will change the hydraulic filter and fluid just to be on the safe side. Also either clean or replace the inline filter. I was wondering if it would be better to change the fluid and filter with the loader on or off. If I leave the loader on should I retract the cylinders to get as much of the old fluid as possible out or would it make much of a difference. My owners manual calls for a fluid and filter change @ 400hrs and that would put it right on the mark. One more question, my manual says to clean the inline filter with a mild solvent. What kind of mild solvent should I use.

sunnyside360 · Jan 29, 2012

My $0.02, I'd remove the loader since it is so easy to do on a 3x20 tractor. Easier access especially to front axle/diff which I'd also change fluid.

AKfish · Jan 29, 2012

317140 said:
I think I will change the hydraulic filter and fluid just to be on the safe side. Also either clean or replace the inline filter. I was wondering if it would be better to change the fluid and filter with the loader on or off. If I leave the loader on should I retract the cylinders to get as much of the old fluid as possible out or would it make much of a difference. My owners manual calls for a fluid and filter change @ 400hrs and that would put it right on the mark. One more question, my manual says to clean the inline filter with a mild solvent. What kind of mild solvent should I use.

Loader on or off won't likely be any real difference - beyond ease of access with it out of the way - IMO. Of course, retract the loader cylinders.. having the loader arms up in the air while you're working on/under the machine is not a good idea - unless you can block it.

A couple of years ago, I bought a 5 gallon can of Chevron/Mobil part's cleaner. That's what I have used to clean the hyd sump filters, etc.

Not a whole lot different than plain ol' Kerosene, though. Back on the farm, we used Kerosene.

AKfish

317140 · Jan 31, 2012

I got to change the hydraulic fluid and filter yesterday. I also removed and cleaned the inline filter. It seems to have taken care of my problem. The hydro fluid looked to be a little milky. Don't know if that caused the problem but glad it is fixed. The only problem is now I have to find a second jobs to pay for John Deere Parts. They told me they had a January special on filters, but a 100 dollars for a hydro filter is in my opinion a little too pricey. I kept all the numbers and i think I will try different sources for filters in the future.