sluggish power steering

[mjonesnh]

Yesterday I backed my TC34Da out of the shed it is stored in and noticed the power steering was barely functioning. While turning the steering wheel it was extremely jerky and noisy. After the fluid warmed up a little it settled down some and the noise and jerky action mostly dissipated.
I thought the temp the night before (18F) might have played a role in this issue and left it at that. Today I tried it again and still had an issue with with jerkiness and loud whining until the fluid started warming up some even though the temp was 45F. This tractor always seems to be a little noisy when the fluid is cold as the hst, loader and 3ph all seem to whine some until the fluid thins a little.
The rest of the hydraulics seem to be functioning correctly, just a little noisy and slightly slower than when warmed up. I have owned this tractor 3.5 years and cannot recall the power steering behaving in this way in similiar or even colder temps. FWIW I checked the fluid level and it is full with no sign of water on dipstick.
Any opinions as to what could be affecting the power steering and not the rest of the hydraulics as they all share a common sump?

 

[jimmysisson]

Any chance you dunked the front end sometime since last winter? Water will settle in the final drives and it doesn't take much ice to make the steering pretty stiff. If you've changed front end fluids since summer, I withdraw that question.
Some guys have luck with synthetic lubes in front ends - try that?
Jim

 

[jinman]

Where are you in your service cycle? How many hours on the tractor and when was the last filter change? If the filters are partially clogged, the cold oil could be having a hard time flowing through them. The big suction hydraulic filter would be the most suspect. Also, I'd look at all the lines associated with the power steering to make sure there were no loose connections where air could be getting drawn into the lines on the suction side of the pump. If the oil is sluggish, it is even more likely that there will be air drawn in from a tiny leak, leading to cavitation of the PS pump.

Finally, since your tractor has not had these problems before, you would not expect to need it, but NH does sell a transmission oil heater for these tractors. This might end up being your ultimate solution. Here are the specifics from messicks.com.

HEATER
Kit, Transmission Oil Heat Includes: Ref. 2-5
87379951
1 Needed for Job
$71.62 Ships in :3-5 business days

 

[mjonesnh]

Front end has not been under water. Front axle, hyd. filters and fluid changed spring 2010, less than 50 hours since then.

 

[mjonesnh]

I just found this tread from 2009 concerning similar issues with a T2220 which I believe was the next generation Tc34Da. The original poster had almost identical problems with his tractor at 25F that I experienced with my TC34 at 18F. Did not see a final resolution posted for this issue.

http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/new-holland-owning-operating/134135-4-month-old-t2220-w.html

 

[Carykong]

me thinks you have a very small leak. previous advice was very valuable. I would park your tractor over some newspaper overnight. check for spots. If all is good,change filter/s