Steering problem warning

[ducksjunk]

The old 195D that I recently purchased had no steering when I got it. It appears that the steering box is susceptable to taking in water if it sits outside (although I really don't see why). The previous owner used it in the winter. the steering got really hard so he just reefed on the wheel until it moved. As a result he destroyed the worm gear shaft and gear block assy.
When I opened it up it was half full of water which had apparently frozen. I have replaced the worm shaft assy.
WhenI put it back together I used outboard gear oil for the lube since it will mix in some of the water and help prevent this happening again soon.
So if you Yannie sits outside I would recommend that you pull the steering shaft (not tough, but you have to loosen the fuel tank and lift it a few inches),and check for the presence of water or muddy lube. If you find it clean it out well. The first thein g the water will attack is the lower bearing since it lays at the lowest spot. The shaft assy is not cheap so this little trick can save you some money. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[mark777]

ducksjunk,
If you could find a weakness in a Yanmar tractor you may have just pinpointed it, and often of models with FWD.

Going on the assumption that most of these tractors operate in water up to the user platform, the pitman arm and steering box are subject to water saturation. Now - every Yanmar I have has the steering assembly removed, disassembled and checked. So far two were rebuilt and two were replaced with used boxes.

Other than the obvious excessive play in the steering wheel and related linkage, I look for weak spots that allow water penetration. So far, and to my knowledge, I do not see how water gets in. I now use a very light coat of RTV sealer on re-assembly and even replace O ring under the wheel verve button. Also use a very light coat of premium water proof grease on ball nut and bearings and fill with high grade 80/90 weight.

So far no water and the service performed has shown me this works well. I have run the tractors for a few months (I have my own personal swamp) and leave them outside most of the time. Also have checked the steering box and changed the oil.....and it has been as clean as the day I topped it off.

Good to see you share a maintenance issue that often gets overlooked. Regards, Mark