BX 23 Steering valve

[gimp518]

My steering valve on my BX 23 has been going into a freewheel mode. Does this mean that I need a new steering valve or can it be removed and cleaned or rebuilt? Would it be worn out at 550 hours . I was hoping that it is a sticking open internal relief. I do have power forward and back when this occurs. This has happened 4 times in the last 2 weeks.

 

[Volfandt]

The problem is more than likely in your front steering ram. The seals get worn and they start to let pressure by pass. Some have purchased the rebuild kit and this corrected it while some others ended up replacing the ram.
Don't go to deep into the steering control valve until you've addressed the ram.
Good luck

 

[lp333]

According to the WSM, the two major PS components are the PS "Controller" and the PS "Cylinder". Volfandt, is your post referring to the cylinder?

 

[Volfandt]

Yes. I should have said power steering cylinder.

 

[milkman]

Same symptoms on mine, got a seal kit for the power steering cylinder from the dealer and changed them myself. The O rings get flat spots and let the fluid bypass, there's 4 seals and 5 O rings, the only tricky part is getting the spring clips out of each end of the cylinder, and don't forget the O ring under the center section of the cylinder rod.

 

[gimp518]

Thanks for the help. I will get a seal kit Monday AM . I have been a lurker here for sometime now. very good information to pick up on. thanks to all replies. Dennis Arlington WA

 

[lp333]

Thanks for the help. I will get a seal kit Monday AM ...

Good luck Dennis. If you can manage it, it would be great to see a few photos of how you repaired your PS. LP

 

[Wayne County Hose]

I would do a pressure test before you go tearing into anything. Practicing swapdraulics can get costly and put you into deeper problems than you have now.

 

[SPYDERLK]

Same symptoms on mine, got a seal kit for the power steering cylinder from the dealer and changed them myself. The O rings get flat spots and let the fluid bypass, there's 4 seals and 5 O rings, the only tricky part is getting the spring clips out of each end of the cylinder, and don't forget the O ring under the center section of the cylinder rod.

Did you by any chance keep the old o-rings or know the size of the one that wore flat? I bought the kit after my BX cyl started bypassing, but when I got it open I found only one bad o-ring -- the one sealing the piston. I replaced it separately from a generic selection and returned the Kit. Now, a couple years later it is starting to bypass again. Foolishly, I did not record the size of the one that wore and Id like to order that size in a wear resistant compound from McMaster Carr to have on hand when I open it up again. Any help you can give would wonderful.
Thanks, larry