Deere 4300 steering hard to turn at low rpm.. Please help me out

[Kyle_in_Tex]

I just drove mine tonight in 32F temp. Yes, it was like cold molasses at first to steer. I lowered the bucket and raised the front end. Still tight. I did the "turn it to extents" test, applying pressure to see if the wheel would turn if there was a leak. It was good. So, it is something internal, related to cold fluid flow. I am tempted to tear into mine, but the problem is not all that bad yet. Having a full CNC machine shop at work is nice for most things to repair or make new parts. Haven't figured out how to mold rubber parts yet. LOL.

 

[dfkrug]

I did that and i pass both with flying colors... In fact my wheel don't turn much at
all during the 8LB steering test as in like maybe 1/2 turn

Sorry, I did not see what the test procedures were before I responded, QM.

If both tests are PASS, then you may have a weak PS/charge pump. Next test should be
to Tee in a pressure gauge to the IN line of the PS valve.

If your PS/charge pump has worn seals or scored rotor, then you may not get the rated flow/pressure at
low engine RPM. Your PS needs 1000-1500psi, but your HST only needs 100psi or so.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

Bump, Quadmaster, did you ever get this fixed?

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

So my steering got tight yesterday in warm weather. It was more like stiction in that the wheel was tight without the usual slop. I tore into it and found that the shaft with the universal joint rides in a plastic housing that is part of the tilt mechanism. It took about an hour and a host of tools to get it apart. I sanded the shaft and will grease it and put everything together tomorrow hopefully. On a side note, I accidentally pulled the splined hub out of the rubber molded steering wheel. Doh. I will try to press it back in there but not sure if it will go.

 

[Kyle_in_Tex]

So my steering got tight yesterday in warm weather. It was more like stiction in that the wheel was tight without the usual slop. I tore into it and found that the shaft with the universal joint rides in a plastic housing that is part of the tilt mechanism. It took about an hour and a host of tools to get it apart. I sanded the shaft and will grease it and put everything together tomorrow hopefully. On a side note, I accidentally pulled the splined hub out of the rubber molded steering wheel. Doh. I will try to press it back in there but not sure if it will go.

I was able to press the splined bushing back into the overmolded steering wheel. I de-burred the edges of the rubber splines, sprayed on some Form a gasket, and pressed it back in.

I finally got it all back together and it steers like a dream. So easy to turn the wheel. It just needed some grease on the steering shaft. I can tell you that no amount of spraying lube with the steering wheel on can get lube to where it needs to be. You have to take the wheel off, and the tilt mechanism.