BX Power Steering Unit Leaking

dannydan3 · Sep 12, 2007

I apparently have a leak from the power steering unit, I would imagine from the top seal, I'll find out for sure later on today when I tear into it. It's not coming from the hoses or hose connections.

So, can the power steering units be repaired? I hate to have to buy a new one for the price of an o-ring or something. Anyone else have to replace one of these units?

Tom_H · Sep 12, 2007

I had to replace the lines this year. They were squirting fluid from the bottom of the tractor, just below the seat.

Volfandt · Sep 12, 2007

Don't recall seeing one of these fail before. Course I could have missed it.
In looking at both the BX23 parts manual & BX23 WSM steering manual, neither doesn't break the controller down to component level.
Basically they only show the 4 hydraulic line connections and how to R&R it.
It doesn't say that it's not rebuildable but then again it doesn't indicate that it can be either.
Good luck

dannydan3 · Sep 12, 2007

Tom_H said:
I had to replace the lines this year. They were squirting fluid from the bottom of the tractor, just below the seat.

Yep, checked the lines, tightened them and then crammed some paper towels in between them all to see if the leak had completely stopped. Still saw fluid around the top rim of the "screen housing" (the grill unit under the dash), and the paper was dry. When I first noticed something was leaking, there was some around the key, around the hood release, and around the entire rim of the housing. (everything was pretty dusty, so I could see everywhere the fluid was starting to seep). I would have taken a pic but I thought that it was the hoses after reading about all the hose trouble here. I'll check the upper seal on the steering unit and let everyone know what is going on.

I priced one of the steering units today, they're almost $500. This would really be too much if I had to replace this thing, I am only at 800 hours.
After all of the problems with the BX line, I have to say that maybe the green tractors might be better after all. I admit that the HST failure I suffered was mostly my fault, but everything else leads me to believe that these tractors may not have been ready for prime time on their release.

Let's see....factory defective steering cylinders, air filter brackets, front axle seals, fenders breaking, power steering hoses, ridiculous placement of the HST filter, no HST fan guard, crappy seat, etc. (what did I forget?)
I am pretty disappointed, my buddy has a green tractor that never has needed anything but fuel at 10+years of operation.

Are these all problems to be expected? This is my first tractor, but I thought that Kubota was the best. I hate to think what may lie in store should I go another 800 hours. After all of the intial $$$ I invested, I don't think that I should have to continue to pour money into this thing.

Volfandt · Sep 13, 2007

I can sympathize with ya dannydan3. And even though I've not had a single problem in 3 yrs, I would be feel'n the same as you if'n the situations were reversed.
Before you remove that steering controller, try a few more tests to try to isolate the leak.
There is a possibility that theres a pinhole leak in one (or more) of the power steering lines and it's squirting the fluid in the direction of the controller. The pin hole could be in one of the bends etc., and only happening when running and turning in a certain direction.
I just haven't read of one of those controllers failing here while conversely those blamed ole lines fail quite regularly....... (I'm living on the edge with mine btw.)
To try to isolate, you will need to remove everything you can thats blocking your view, wrap some news paper or paper towels or something similar around the hoses, especially near the bend(s) start the engine and spin the wheel in each direction. Hopefully you'll see a wet spot appear down on one of the lines. Course be careful not to get any part of your person too close as that fluid is under extreme pressure and can cause damage.
Good luck

leolav1972 · Sep 13, 2007

I had a small pinhole leak in one of my lines and it caused the fluid to spray on the muffler. It made for a pretty bad smoke show. I replaced it with a better quality line and haven't had an issue since. On mine it was a pain to replace, but fairly straightforward.

dannydan3 · Sep 13, 2007

Thanks guys, I guess I was on a bit of a rant there. (a bit?) I'll try the wrap/pinhole thing, while I am at it, if I use new Kubota hoses, are they subject to the same failure rate? I have read here that some hoses last for years, and I am not sure if Kubota has upgraded their hose supplier, or if they just want to sell hoses. They don't sound like fun to replace...
Well, on second thought, the wife will be in the house the whole time....

SeymourBota · Sep 13, 2007

The two hoses that go to the hydro pump have some funky fittings on them and my local dealer ordered those from Kubota.

The two to the front are more generic and they made those up locally out of better quality materials.

Harry c · Sep 13, 2007

I'm not familiar with the unit but oil seals are made to standard configurations. If the leak turns out to be the seal, look carefully and see if you can see the number on the seal itself. Even if you can't find a number, if you can remove the seal, a local bearing or industrial supply house will almost certainly be able to get you a replacement and will likely have it in stock. The seal is probably a lot cheaper than a new hose but depending on how the unit is put together, the seal may be more work!