B3030 steering problem: do I really need a new steering controller??

[Frogger]

Hi fellas. I wonder if anyone can help?

I have a B3030 which has done about 350 hours.

A while ago it started intermitantly becoming very hard to steer i.e. lots of effort required to turn the steering wheel. Recently it's become a permanent feature. It's a little easier to turn if you swing the wheel really quickly, but not by much.

My current configuration is 60 inch mid mount deck, and FEL frame, but no bucket, so this is NOT a case of too much weight over the front wheels.

I've checked the hydraulic fluid level and its ok. The filters are all Kubota brand and are quite new. The FEL hydraulics appear to be just fine, but I will get the pump pressure checked before spending lots on parts. There are no obvious leaks on the hydraulic lines.

I'm at the stage where I'm 98% certain that the steering controller O rings have failed (let me know if you think its anything else!)

I live in Australia, and the local price for a new controller is $1000! My parts supplier says this is a sealed unit and that it's not possible to replace just the O rings like you can with a BX.

I just wanted to check if anyone out there knows different? Can you replace just the rings for a 3030? I certainly hope so. Seems really stupid to have to stump up so much for the failure of such a cheap part, especially after so few hours. This must be a design fault. Does anyone know if there's such a thing as a redesigned controller to avoid this issue in the future?

Thanks for any help.

Simon

 

[red4now]

Doesn't seem like enough hours for that kind of a problem to be happening? Have you changed the oil lately? Have read on TBN about a situation where the oil was changed and something similar occurred. Problem was resolved but do not recall what the solution was.

 

[Frogger]

Well, it turns out that no, I didn't really need the steering controller after all.

Bought the part (A$1100!!!!), fitted it, same problems.

So, back to square one. Yesterday I changed the transmission fluid and both hydraulic filters.....problem solved. I last changed the filters and fluid about 100 hours ago, so all well within service times frames, but seemingly a filter was clogged. I've only ever used Kubota parts and fluid, so this was a surprise.

Anyway.......anyone want to buy a used steering controller????

 

[slan]

you were lucky, I had one do the same thing as you at 350 hours.
Dealer replaced the controller under warrenty even though it was two months over
Glad it worked out for you, I would hang onto that controller for at least 20 hours of work just in case