Bx-25d-1 - clunk / free slop in steering

[burnm]

Hello, i just rolled over 10hrs on my new bx25d-1. So far, i have loved every minute on this thing .

However, last night I was doing some light loader work and noticed a clunk periodically. After investigating, it was easy to see that there was some lateral slop on the power steering cylinder. It looks to me that the whole power steering housing moves side to side about ~40 thou.

It looks to me that the only thing preventing lateral movement of the power steering housing are two snap rings, which leads me to believe that this play that has presented itself must be common, as this setup seems a tad weak.

Has anyone experienced this same issue? It drives me nuts.

 

[Jj1479]

My 2010 bx25 also has the same free play in the cylinder holder.

 

[burnm]

Thanks Jj1479.

I'd appreciate all the input I can get from any bx25 owners that read this thread (just a quick yes its there or no its not is fine)

I am just trying to figure out if I should haul this back to the dealer and ask for a fix.

 

[EagleTDL]

I've got ~250 hours or so on mine, never noticed anything like you describe? Were you in 2wd or 4wd??

 

[burnm]

The free play is in the way the power steering housing is mounted. 2 or 4wd wont make a diffrrence. It's easy to check: with tractor off, just rotate the steering wheel back and forth, and visually watch the power steering housing (not the shiny ram, but the actual housing). You will see it move (laterally back and forth) if you have this issue

 

[Sodo]

I don't have a BX (,,,,sold it a year ago).

There is no excuse for free play in steering. Smooth operation is a clue that you use to know everything is OK. If you get used to a clunk in your steering, what will notify you when there's a problem? Your tie-rod end could be about to fall off and you wouldn't know it. I expect that a quality unit like Kubota won't have a silly clunk in the steering.

For those who can't fix stuff like that on their own (and willing to go to the trouble to get it back to the dealer) I'd make the dealer fix it. At 10 hrs I'd tell him if he can't fix it exchange you for a BX with no clunk. I bet he fixes it quickly.

 

[EagleTDL]

The free play is in the way the power steering housing is mounted. 2 or 4wd wont make a diffrrence. It's easy to check: with tractor off, just rotate the steering wheel back and forth, and visually watch the power steering housing (not the shiny ram, but the actual housing). You will see it move (laterally back and forth) if you have this issue

I was thinking you were feeling some binding in the steering with a load in the bucket and in 4wd, and the release was the "clunk" you felt? Hence the reason for the question...

 

[burnm]

Got ya. The home depot in town rents a bx25d. I just checked it out and it has the same play too. I am thinking that since its just two snap rings holding the housing in place (if i am seeing it correctly) this free play is more predominant and a lot of owners just dint notice/care. Maybe its wishful thinking.


I sent a video show the motion of the house to the dealer. I'll see what they come back with

 

[burnm]

Here are the photos of the housing. I couldnt attach the video i sent to the dealer

 

[Coyote machine]

View attachment 430237



View attachment 430236


Here are the photos of the housing. I couldnt attach the video i sent to the dealer

Are you saying that the second pic, which shows the two bolts holding the bracket to the axle tube is where the movement occurs? That between the left side bolted bracket and the right side same bracket the black tube, which retains the steering rod with the circlip moves between the two end brackets when turned lock to lock?
If so, how much movement are you describing? Does it only occur when you go to lock on either side of the mechanism? What are the two, what look like tubes, which go vertical in pic one? Are they part of the steering rod housing, and if so, what purpose do they serve?