L3800 power steering problem

smilinjak · Aug 18, 2014

I posted on the repair forum and got no response so will give this a try. Tractor: 2012 L3800 HST 4x4
My power steering isn't as powerful as it was or should. When stopped or moving slow ( engine speed 2000RPM) the power steering dosen't give any assist past half cut. I have checked the linkage, hydraulic lines for damage, and fluid level. All other hydraulic operations seem to function normally. There are no fluid leaks from the steering gear seals.
Any ideas? anybody else have this problem?

Smilinjak

ultrarunner · Aug 19, 2014

So far have not had any steering issues with our L3800

Do you have any warranty coverage?

smilinjak · Aug 19, 2014

ultrarunner said:
So far have not had any steering issues with our L3800

Do you have any warranty coverage?

Thanks for the come back Curt , the warranty ran out in April while everything was working well. I haven't called the dealer yet. I have had other dragons to slay.

Smilinjak

ultrarunner · Aug 19, 2014

Isn't that always the case...

smilinjak · Aug 19, 2014

Always my luck, thats the reason I don't buy extended warranties, after I pay an exorbatent price it runs out the week before I have a failure.

Smilinjak

roadracer86 · Nov 9, 2014

Have you fixed your steering issue with your 3800? I've got a leak that I can't stop on the steering box even after installing a seal kit which is frustrating. I like your situation just came off warranty and right on cue my first major problem.

roadracer86 · Nov 9, 2014

Did you get your problem solved? I've got a similar problem with a L3800 with some sticking and a slight leak coming from the ball screw cover. I've rebuilt the pump with the Kubota seal kit with no luck. I also just came off warranty a month ago as well and now I'm facing a really expensive pump replacement ($1,200)since I'm not going to tear the pump out again and risk having to do it again. Frustrating to say the least. I've got 204 hours on my machine and I'm not happy that I'm experiencing problems with only a couple hundred hours on the clock.

smilinjak · Nov 10, 2014

roadracer86 said:
Did you get your problem solved? I've got a similar problem with a L3800 with some sticking and a slight leak coming from the ball screw cover. I've rebuilt the pump with the Kubota seal kit with no luck. I also just came off warranty a month ago as well and now I'm facing a really expensive pump replacement ($1,200)since I'm not going to tear the pump out again and risk having to do it again. Frustrating to say the least. I've got 204 hours on my machine and I'm not happy that I'm experiencing problems with only a couple hundred hours on the clock.

I wonder why the two hundred hour mark is the time for power steering problems. I haven't done anything with it, more from a lack of time than anything. I can still use the machine as long as I don't get in to a tight spot. I am at a complete loss as to what could be the cause. I was hoping that somebody that had the problem had solved it without having to buy a new tractor.
Smilinjak :confused2:

roadracer86 · Nov 10, 2014

smilinjak said:
I wonder why the two hundred hour mark is the time for power steering problems. I haven't done anything with it, more from a lack of time than anything. I can still use the machine as long as I don't get in to a tight spot. I am at a complete loss as to what could be the cause. I was hoping that somebody that had the problem had solved it without having to buy a new tractor.
Smilinjak :confused2:

Well I haven't solved mine either; yours sounds like a pressure related problem. there is an adjustment on the pump itself to raise or lower pressure which requires a pressure gauge to adjust. I bought the service manual that describes the process but I don't have the tools. I've had my pump out and torn down; pretty simple design honestly. The only issue is if the steering input seal on the ball screw is leaking; like mine you either have to replace the whole ball screw which is $950 (non-serviceable item) or the whole pump which is $1,200. I'm calling my dealer again and asking to speak to a district service rep. I'll post what I find out.

smilinjak · Nov 10, 2014

roadracer86 said:
Well I haven't solved mine either; yours sounds like a pressure related problem. there is an adjustment on the pump itself to raise or lower pressure which requires a pressure gauge to adjust. I bought the service manual that describes the process but I don't have the tools. I've had my pump out and torn down; pretty simple design honestly. The only issue is if the steering input seal on the ball screw is leaking; like mine you either have to replace the whole ball screw which is $950 (non-serviceable item) or the whole pump which is $1,200. I'm calling my dealer again and asking to speak to a district service rep. I'll post what I find out.

Appreciate the come back roadracer. Thanks for the information about the pressure adjustment on the pump. I know you can shim the relief pressure with shims, don't know if that would do the same thing. A pressure guage isn't hard or expensive to make. I have been intendinf to order the components but haven't done it yet. I get involved in woodworking and forget that I need to work on my tractor. I think about it seriously when I need to spend the time in the seat instead of the shop. :laughing:
Smilinjak