Troubleshooting Power Steering

[RickB]

It's a 1973 model. I have not yet changed the PS filter. I think you're right soundguy, but I may pull the pump and tear into it just to see what it looks like before I get a new one on the way. The dealer recommended aftermarket as well, and quoted me $300-350 for a pump ($700-800 for a New Holland pump).

I'd be curious to tee in some gauges and know for sure what's going on, but it may be a waste of my time at this point. Would a 0-1000psi gauge give me enough headroom, or could the pressures go higher than that?

Edit - not sure if it's general purpose or SU (what's SU - "Sport Utility"? ) How would I tell?

The pump for a 73 4000 general purpose has a relief valve set at 1100psi. A 73 4000SU (special utility) has the relief set at 650. If you replace the pump, be sure you purchase the correct one. Replacing a worn out 1100 psi pump with a fresh 650 psi pump won't help much. Going the other way may well cause leakage in the 35 year old steering valve/column. The 4000SU steering box has two pitman arms and drag links, the 4000 general purpose has one pitman arm and drag link.
You should invest in a filter change before investing in a new pump.

 

[Matt in TN]

Just a follow-up for anyone else searching this out -

I replaced the power steering pump filter and found the old filter had come apart inside the pump and the inside hole was greatly elongated. I also put a 0-1000psig gauge teed into the output just downstream of the pump. I filled it with fluid and fired it up, and was suprised to see the gauge register pressure! After cranking it back and forth several times to bleed the air out of the system and topping off the fluid (with the loader holding the front wheels off the ground), the pump developed 650 psig at lock just like it's supposed to (it is the SU model)

I did notice one of the seals on the cylinders is leaking, which explains the lack of fluid in the system. I'll be taking that to a local shop for a rebuild, and then hopefully I'll be good to go. I took it out around the yard with the leaky cylinder just to feel what it was like and the difference was amazing!

Thanks to everyone for all of the help!

 

[Soundguy]

Glad it was mostly a filter fix for ya... never hurts to try the cheap stuff.

now you just need to tackle that cyl..

soundugy

 

[japody]

I have a similar issue with my 4000's steering. I'm fairly new to the world of tractors. Can someone clue me in as to where the power steering pump filter is located?

Japody

 

[Soundguy]

so.. which 4000 do you have? a 4000 4 cyl.. or 3 cyl.

if a 4 cyl.. look at the upper right of the front of the engine.. should be a resevoir with filter in it.

if a 3 cyl. find your pump.. ( left front ).. again. filter in resevoir. but is a different setup than older models.

 

[japody]

It's the 3 cyl. Thanks!