Snow DX-24 Frozen Steering

davidjmcclelland · Oct 31, 2019

This problem started a couple winters ago, and I thought maybe there is enough time to prevent this or cope with it better this time around:
I have to let the engine warm for 10 minutes if the temps are under freezing before I can turn the wheel. - tractor is stored outdoors.
I assume there is some moisture somewhere in the steering that won't go away or is staying damp during normal operation.

I lift the front wheels off the ground with the bucket and try kicking them (frustration or genius idea?) - no change
I can try repeatedly to turn the steering wheel, but this feels like it is likely to lead to increased play in the steering over time so I don't like doing this. Eventually this will work, and I don't have to wait as long.

Has anyone else faced similar, and solved this one and for all? Improved the situation?

Thanks!

ruffdog · Oct 31, 2019

Does your tractor have the separate steering fluid reservoir? What type fluid have you used? Maybe water is in the system and is down in the steering cylinder(s).

davidjmcclelland · Oct 31, 2019

As far as I know, and from looking, the steering hydraulics are common throughout the tractor. There is only one reservoir. All other hydraulics work when this happens - 3-point, loader.

Roadworthy · Oct 31, 2019

If you have power steering (and I presume you do) are you using the specified viscosity of hydraulic fluid? It sounds as though it's having to warm up enough to flow properly.

RickB · Oct 31, 2019

Fluid and filter change. You have two pumps drawing fluid from a single suction tube and filter. The auxiliary pump is larger and first in line. The larger pump is drawing all the fluid that will pass through the filter at the expense of the steering system function.
Unresolved this condition will ruin the power steering pump and possibly the main pump.
Once again, oil and filters are cheaper than parts.