squeaking noise in extreme cold?

[azuerch]

Hello,
I was clearing 8-10 inches off the drive yesterday with my Kioti NX and everything was running nicely. After about an hour out in the cold (approx 5 degrees) I would hear some loud squeaking type noises coming from either the steering column or maybe the front axle area? It was loud engough to be heard over the engine and through my hat and hood. It was only occasionally and seemed to be mostly when doing tight turns or turning steering wheel quickly. I was in 4wheel drive and engine temps were fully warmed up and normal. I'm guessing it was just the extreme cold temps affecting something. Is there anything additional I need to check maintenance-wise for cold weather operation? Tractor has 125 hours on it.

Aaron

 

[MH8675309]

The hydraulics definitely get affected by the cold. Mine are loud initially (3700 hours on the machine) when its bitterly cold but as they warm up they quiet down. Not much help to your situation

 

[grsthegreat]

Sure its not in the steering column itself. Is there a greese fitting or lube point? Any joints in the column. I know when it gets real cold here i get some squeaks in the seat suspension. Spray lube solve it.

 

[flyerdan]

Normally I'd suspect a slipping power steering belt when that happens, but this should have the steering incorporated into the main hydraulic system. Could it be the bypass kicking in due to ice buildup limiting steering travel?

 

[Shawn T. W.]

My "guess" is some plastic in the dash is touching the steering column or steering wheel ...

 

[azuerch]

My steering column in enclosed in the dash so next time i'm doing maintenance i'll see if i can take a peak and maybe lubricate it.