MF GC2610 power steering issue.

[PumpkinGC2610]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this. Also I'm a new owner of a MF GC2610 tlb with 398 hrs on it. I have no power steering. When I was looking at this unit I thought original it was because of low hydraulic fluid due to 2 hoses leaking on backhoe. Turns out I was wrong. After topping off fluid, I still have no power steering. I believe that I have ruled out the steering piston and cylinder. I think my issue is with the control valve on hydraulic pump or the steering column unit. Has any one ran into this? As both of those parts are expensive I would like other thoughts on this.

 

[cglaser104]

Hi everyone, I'm new to this. Also I'm a new owner of a MF GC2610 tlb with 398 hrs on it. I have no power steering. When I was looking at this unit I thought original it was because of low hydraulic fluid due to 2 hoses leaking on backhoe. Turns out I was wrong. After topping off fluid, I still have no power steering. I believe that I have ruled out the steering piston and cylinder. I think my issue is with the control valve on hydraulic pump or the steering column unit. Has any one ran into this? As both of those parts are expensive I would like other thoughts on this.

First place flow goes if pump to hydrostatic/steering and then out to implements. Do your hydraulics work? Tractor move ok? If yes then I would expect it's something in the power steering unit itself

 

[PumpkinGC2610]

Yes all other hydraulics work as they should. This problem is only with the steering

 

[cglaser104]

I would focus my efforts on hoses/connections/and power steering unit itself then. Perhaps a kinked feed line. That said if everything but that functions I'd look at the until and connects of the steering itself

 

[PumpkinGC2610]

There are no leaks in the system, and no kinked lines.

 

[DMW]

Orbital valve failure is very uncommon in my experience.
1. How did you rule out the steering cylinder bypassing internally?
2. Did you check the flow and pressure (2 very different things) from the valve?
3. Air in the steering circuit is very hard to get rid of.
4. Is the steering cylinder binding/rubbing on anything it shouldn't?

Added a link to a video of Kubota BX with similar problem. Almost identical set up as a GC.
Kubota BX22: Hydo. Steering Cylinder - Reseal - YouTube

 

[PumpkinGC2610]

I'm not sure how the hydraulic fluid flows through out the tractor. I do have 2 hoses leaking in the backhoe but none in the steering system. With the tractor off and front wheels off the ground I can't turn the wheels by hand forcing the steering cylinder. I can turn wheels by the steering wheel. I figured that if the steering cylinder was leaking by inside I would be able to force wheels in either direction and I can't. It is not binding on anything. I did take off pressure line on the steering valve that sits on pump and what I think is good flow as soon as I Crank engine.put that back on and took line off one side of steering cylinder and found what I believe is good flow with engine running and turning steering wheel. I don't have a pressure gauge to check the pressure though. That being said I probably have introduced air in the cylinder by doing so. I was thinking the air would work itself back to reservoir just by working the steering lock to lock several times. I agree about the column part not being common, thankfully as that is the most expensive part. At least the valve body and the cylinder are serviceable. Any thoughts for this issue?

 

[DMW]

Watch the video and make your own decision. It's hard to diagnose an issue from a distance. Best guess is the steering cylinder needs new seals.

 

[cdaigle430]

I can turn my steering wheel with tractor on ground and off (slowly) Maybe you have an air lock in the line somewhere? Is there any fluid leaking from the steering wheel? I really think this is an air in the system issue..but I do not know how to get the air worked out of the steering cylinder. For the rest its simpy raising and lowering the implements slowly all the way up - down in or out.

 

[DMW]

Is it possible to ask the previous owner if the loss of steering was progressive or all at once.