Kubota L3600 Steering Quit

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

I had just scooped up some dirt and was backing up. I heard a klunk and the steering quit altogether. I can turn the steering wheel freely but the wheels don't move. I couldn't find any hydraulic lines disconnected. All the other hydraulic functions work fine. Nothing at all is leaking that I can see anyway. I have no idea where to even start looking. It's mowing season and I'm in trouble. Thanks in advance for any advice!

Peter 315 · Apr 4, 2020

My l3800 has a shaft that runs down the right side of the tractor near the engine to the front check that out........

oldnslo · Apr 4, 2020

If you heard a clunk that sounds mechanical. Did something in the steering linkage fall apart?

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

Don't see anything at all down the right side.

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

oldnslo said:
If you heard a clunk that sounds mechanical. Did something in the steering linkage fall apart?

Well I can't see anything amiss. I hate to sound dumb (but I'm so good at it) but the steering shaft disappears down under and I don't see anything where it links to the front wheels, at least visibly. I mean I'm sure it does some how. Of course I can see the rods attached directly to the wheels and they are fine.View attachment 649205

Peter 315 · Apr 4, 2020

Does it look like this...

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Does it look like this...View attachment 649207 View attachment 649208

No I don't see anything like that. I also failed to mention it is power steering.

Peter 315 · Apr 4, 2020

Any better pictures ?

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Any better pictures ?

I can try. It's a challenge in the dark lol. Any particular area?

Peter 315 · Apr 4, 2020

Front axle , front under...

TonyC2639 · Apr 4, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Front axle , front under...

Sorry for the delay. I did the best I could in the dark. The first two are in the very front. The last one is behind and below the radiator. The piston is parallel to the ground. I believe this is what controls the steering but I'm not certain.

Peter 315 · Apr 5, 2020

Look at this and see if any parts are off under the tractor ...

TonyC2639 · Apr 5, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Look at this and see if any parts are off under the tractor ...View attachment 649268

Well that was a big help. The piston in the pic has disconnected from the exact part you pointed the arrow to! Not sure how it connects or what broke. Going back out to look now. Any advice is appreciated.

TonyC2639 · Apr 5, 2020

Peter 315 said:
Look at this and see if any parts are off under the tractor ...View attachment 649268

Upon Further inspection, BOTH ends of the piston are unattached. The piston does move when I turn the steering wheel so the hydraulics seem to be functioning.