BX steering glitch

Mowbizz · Mar 11, 2019

After cleaning up after yesterdayｴ storm I was coming back up my driveway (steep hill, paved) in 2wd, to put my BXPanded plow back on and when I reached the top I went to turn 45 degrees to the right to line up the plow when I felt the front wheels were not responding fully to my turning the steering wheel. They were responding but something was not right according what I am used to. I got the plow installed and backed the BX into its shed with no more funny steering noticed. No visible leaks that I could see.
Any ideas what it might be?

wmonroe · Mar 11, 2019

Is the hydraulic fluid full?

Mowbizz · Mar 11, 2019

I topped it off a couple months ago after a hose leak repair.

zionview · Mar 11, 2019

Check the studs that hold the power steering cylinder. Make sure the brackets are on the ends of the cylinder before you tighten them. Mine occasionally loosen and it lets the front end steer loose. Also, check the bearing holder that your front drive shaft runs through. I've had those 2 bolts back out from use.

SirMaxwell · Mar 11, 2019

zionview said:
Check the studs that hold the power steering cylinder. Make sure the brackets are on the ends of the cylinder before you tighten them. Mine occasionally loosen and it lets the front end steer loose. Also, check the bearing holder that your front drive shaft runs through. I've had those 2 bolts back out from use.

Could be part of the known issues with BX's. Apparently, a O-Ring inside the steering cylinder gets a flat spot and oil leaks/bypass's, internally. A rebuild kit can be had and a couple hours work should see the issue gone. Allegedly.

I believe my BX25 has this issue, but I've yet to address it. Its on the list. Along with replacing those **** tie rod boots.

My symptoms are, the steering will get 'vague' and in order for it to mostly respond smoothly, you have to really spin the steering wheel.

PA452 · Mar 11, 2019

If you didn't give it a look already, make sure the steering rack is still mounted correctly in its brackets.

Last year I was mowing with my 2006 BX23 (FEL and BH off) and noticed something similar to what you're describing. Checked it out and found the brackets that the steering rack mounts in were bent outward some which allowed the rack to fall loose. I was still able to steer, but the rack was just hanging by the cylinders basically. I drove it straight to my trailer, loaded it up, took it back home, and put it away until I could fix it.

Newer BX's seem to have a snap ring on the steering rack on both sides of each bracket. Mine only has a snap ring on the inside side of each bracket, which means the brackets have the potential to bend outward and let the steering rack drop.

Mowbizz · Mar 11, 2019

Thanks all for the things to check! Got a warmer week coming up...I will get it in the garage for a check.

dodge man · Mar 12, 2019

Sirmaxwell has it most likely. The o-ring/seal in the middle of the steering cylinder gets weak and lets fluid by. The steering won't respond and then about the time you panic and yank the wheel harder, it responds. It took me about 4 hours to fix mine. Someone had a thread on this issue and some nice pics as I recall.