Dads Bearcat wont steer

[Ronski]

I've got my dad's Series I Bearcat with the Cat 3160. He bought it in 1975 and it's been sitting since the mid-'90s. I'm trying to resurrect it to use for light fieldwork and eventually restoration.

The steering wheel takes two or three times as many revolutions as it should for the amount of articulation. It doesnt steer when stationary, although it improves enough to get around the yard when moving. It won't go to full articulation or reach the end of the steering cylinders. The steering wheel just keeps turning endlessly without the tractor reacting.

The hydraulic oil and filters have been changed. The implement hydraulics seem to work okay.

I installed a pressure gauge ahead of the steering relief valve and got the following readings:

• No steering input: 0 PSI.
• Steering at idle: approximately 500–700 PSI.
• Around 1,200 RPM: approximately 1,000 PSI turning right, 500 PSI turning left.
• Steering while moving: approximately 500 PSI turning right or left.

The factory service manual specifies 1,500–1,800 PSI steering pressure at 2,800 RPM?

I'm looking for ideas from anybody who's dealt with these old Steigers. Has anyone had similar problems? What would you chase first? I am thinking the relief valve, then get the pump tested, then the steering motor?
Thanks for any suggestions

 

[rockcreek4630]

You need to check the cylinders for internal leaks. I just had mine rebuilt because of it made a world of difference in how it steers.

 

[Ronski]

Thanks for the suggestion about checking the steering cylinders. That got me thinking.

I first thought of disconnecting the steering cylinders and hooking them to the remotes on my Versatile to see if they would steer the Bearcat properly.

Then I realized I could hook the Versatile's hydraulics to the inlet of the Bearcat's relief valve and test the entire steering system except the hydraulic pump. That should tell me if the pump is the problem.

If the steering still doesn't work, I can hook the remotes directly to the steering cylinder circuit and test the cylinders separately.

Does that make sense?

 

[rockcreek4630]

It sounds like you like plumbing. If you can get it to a full turn unhook the rod end hose then turn it the same direction if oil is leaking out of the cylinder it's that one if the hose is the other one leaking. If no leak I would try the other direction and if still no leak the cylinders should be good. Hope that makes scene and good luck.