Bx2200 steering cylinder replacement problem

[Mallard1]

Have a bx2200 that the steering would quit when the tractor got warm. There is a bulletin on this to either rebuild or replace the cylinder. I chose to replace it. After I got it back together it turned to full lock to the right and now will not go back.

Any ideas what could have gone wrong.

 

[Harry in Ky]

Certainly Kubota expert, but looking at parts diagrams for steering cylinder on that tractor it shows the rod and piston are two separate parts. Rather odd design. Most cylinders of that type have them as one piece. I see two snap rings, each in groove on either side of the piston. If one of those snap rings is missing (or out of the groove) I can see the cylinder doing what you describe. I would think if that happened, you could turn the steering wheel both ways easily enough, but once the rod was fully extended on the side with the snap ring in place then when you turn the wheel back the other way only the piston would move, and not the shaft. Does that sound like what you're finding, or is the steering wheel just not turning either?

 

[Mallard1]

When I cranked the tractor the wheels were centered. I tried turning the wheel to the left but it was firm and wouldn’t turn. Then turned to the right and it was normal. Back to the left and firm. Right again was normal. This time it hit the steering stop and wouldn’t return to the left.

 

[Harry in Ky]

I see a good possibility the cylinder has an internal problem. I would suggest you contact whoever sold it to you and see what that gets you. New parts SHOULD come with warranty.

 

[Mallard1]

It was bought from mckissics. I’ll give them a shout tomorrow unless someone has another idea.

 

[MTGreen]

It would seem to me that if the steering wheel won't turn one way, there is no fluid reversal happening through the steering valve-cylinder circuit.
There may be an issue/blockage in the steering valve itself or in the lines. I think if it were mine I would disconnect both lines at the steering cylinder, start it up, and see if the wheel moves both ways and fluid comes out one line when you move the wheel one way, then out the other line when you move it the other way. This will help determine if the issue is with the cylinder itself or with the steering valve/plumbing

 

[Dman1981]

Leave a plastic plug somewhere?

 

[Mallard1]

Thanks for the help, have both plugs on the table so that’s not it.

I pulled the cylinder again tonight and used shop air on both sides and it moved both ways. Makes me think the cylinder is fine.

Cranked the tractor and when working the steering wheel I get fluid out of both hoses.

Turn right, left hose flows,
turn left, right hose flows.

When I tried to put the cylinder back on I found out I screwed up the swivel ends on both hoses. I believe I over tightened them when I originally put them on, they will not swivel without a wrench now.

Going to get some new hoses made and start back from square one.

 

[Mallard1]

Got the new hoses installed tonight and the steering works like it should. Only thing I can think of is that one of the hoses kinked or collapsed when I installed it the first time. I’ll mow some leaves tomorrow night for a few hours and see if the steering is fixed now.