JD 4320 Hydraulic Help - Metal Shavings

[DRod]

Ok, so my original post was how do I get the suction screen filter elbow loose from the hydraulic line? Found advice elsewhere - duct tape on vise grips applied to large line - worked back and forth - it came off ok.

Now, however, I'm a little concerned. I have experience "jerky" hydraulics (see below), and was after the suction screen to clean it out. I got it out, and found a decent amount of crud on it. But what really concerned me was the number of metal shavings (see attached pics). Is this something that's "normal"? Or do I have a big problem brewing?

Thanks

Background:
I have a compact 4320 E-Hydro. It's about 5 years old, about 700 hours now, and was at the dealer last year for a 500 hour service, including hydraulic fluid change. Last week, it started having "jerky" hydraulics: the steering is alternately fine then sticking during a turn, and the the loader jerks the first 12-20" when being raised, then settles down. Seems to be worse when the PTO is engaged and I'm brush-hogging.

So ... investigated, and found the tip on the forum to clean the in-line hydraulic filter on the left side under the frame. I think this is the power steering filter. That was not too bad, but I cleaned it, and it got maybe a little bit better. Talked to the service manager at the dealer, and he recommended cleaning the suction filter screen. That's where I am now. Before I put everything back together, is there something else I should be doing?

Thanks in advance.

 

[beenthere]

DRod
Does this look like what you are working on? Calling it a "suction strainer" . From the jdparts.com site.

 

[DRod]

Yep - that's the beast alright

 

[beenthere]

So... you did manage to get it out.

:thumbsup:

Hope that does the trick....

 

[arlen4720]

If that's the first time it was cleaned, then yes it looks to be a normal amount of shavings from the manufacturing process. If you look close, the shavings probably look like drilling and milling remnants.
I wonder if the dealer skimped on cleaning the suction screen when it was serviced last year?

 

[DRod]

Thanks Arlen - I had the same thought as I was trying to wrestle the elbow fitting off - doesn't seem like it's been off before. That was pretty disappointing to me.

It does look more like manufacturing leftovers. Thanks for the reassurance.

 

[sunnyside360]

My 4320 had a fair amount of metal shavings in the strainer when I did the first transaxle maintenance. Do all my own maintenance that is not covered under warranty. And, yes it was a ***** to get off and especially back on and in place. I never experienced any issues prior to doing the maintenance procedure. Hopefully that does the trick for you.

 

[DRod]

Thanks - I'll post later this week when I get it back together and let everyone know how it goes.

 

[KYThunder]

If that's the first time it was cleaned, then yes it looks to be a normal amount of shavings from the manufacturing process. If you look close, the shavings probably look like drilling and milling remnants.
I wonder if the dealer skimped on cleaning the suction screen when it was serviced last year?

This has been my experience as well on first time cleaning of suction screens.

 

[DRod]

Thanks for all the help! Cleaning the suction screen - which led to a hydraulic fluid change and spin-on filter change - made the difference. Steering and loader operate like new

Wish the dealer would have cleaned the screen when they did a fluid change last year. Also, I'm a novice mechanic, but that hydraulic elbow removal and replacement was no fun at all