No Steering on KM454

[Scozz]

The hydraulic steering quit on My KM454 leaving me with no steering at all.
I'Ve checked fluid level in the resevour (sp?), Its normal, strainer is also clean.
Any suggestions as where to start? ... Thanks ... Scozz

 

[greg_g]

Well, it's pretty much gotta be the pump (on the engine) - the controller (bottom of the steering column) - or the steering cylinder (between the front wheels). I'd say the first thing to do is make sure the pump is actually pumping. Those big hex head banjo bolts at the controller end are very hard to get it. I think it might be easier disconnecting the supply lines at the pump end. It will be messy, but at least you can tell if the pump is trying to send hydraulic fluid to the controller. If not, it's the pump.

If it is, reconnect them and disconnect the two returns. That will tell you if fluid is getting through the controller. If not, it's the controller. If it is, suspect the cylinder.

//greg//

 

[bluechip]

Can you elaborate on "no steering" does the steering wheel turns but the front tires stay put? or it steers but with no power assist? or the steering wheel won't move? Even without the pumn, the steering motor (controller) will pump fluid and cause the steering to turn. As Greg said, 3 possibilities.

 

[Scozz]

Hey Chip ... Steering wheel turns freely wheels don't even thing about turning. Does that point more to a bad controller? ... Scozz

 

[bluechip]

If the lines are full of fluid, and nothing is gushing out somewhere, then yes, Id think this is a bad "steering motor" or controller... even without the engine running, the controller "pumps" enough oil to steer the wheels, similar to a car with power steering when the engine is off. It could also be that the tang that turns the steeing motor is no longer attached to the steering wheel, so I'd check that first. We have the "steering motor" in stock.

 

[3RRL]

scozz,
Does your 454 have 2 hyd pumps and 2 reservoirs like my 554 does? When I lost steering, I checked the rear reservoir and added some fluid to it but it made no difference. Like a dummy I didn't know there was one under the hood for the power steering hahaha. I had a loose banjo bolt on the cylinder and that's all it was ... lost all my steer fluid.

 

[greg_g]

Does your 454 have 2 hyd pumps and 2 reservoirs like my 554 does?

About the only difference between the 454 and 554 is one cylinder and the length/weight/power it adds to the tractor.

//greg//

 

[Scozz]

Well I got a chance to look at the tractor today. I can see hydro fluid circulating when I start the tractor and remove the cover to the fluid reservoir. The linkage to the steering motor is connected so it looks like the steering motor need replacement. I'll call Chip tomorrow. Unfortunately while using the split brakes to steer the tractor I snapped something in the drive train. I'll open another post to solicit help! thanks ... Scozz

 

[greg_g]

Wow, that's unfortunate. But before you write off the steering controller altogether, don't overlook the possibility that the steering shaft itself could have become disconnected from the controller. Either way, I'm pretty sure you'll have to remove the fuel tank to get working room. Given that, it might not hurt to take the 4 bolts off the top of the controller and verify that the steering shaft is still actually connected. Before actually ordering a new controller that is.

//greg//

 

[Scozz]

Greg at the advice of Chip I checked fluid flow into the steering cylinder. It was good .. turns out the cylinder rod snapped at the end. It's a rather poor setup... the end is held to the ram with a not that is drilled and pinned to prohibit the nut from backing out. The pin is 1/3 the diameter of the shaft causing a weak spot. Now to get the lift assy off and get a look at the drive assy ... Scozz