4230 Steering

[TDS 101]

I know this was talked about recently but here's another 4230 steering problem question. All of a sudden the tractor would not turn to the right, turns just fine to the left. The tractor seems to stay this way after it is warmed up. The fluid levels are full and were supposed to be changed when I bought it. Could someone tell me where to start? From reading other posts, I think this tractor has the old style metering valve. Thank you for all replies.

 

[tim s]

The steering valve operation levers can get worn a bit and cause this, an o-ring kit and clean and recalibration usually takes care of it, this should be done by some one with experience with them, I do a lot of them here and bench test them to prove operation, I charge $350 parts/Labor to do one, I"m located in the Central Ohio Region, will do one while you wait or watch...

 

[Tx Jim]

Here's parts schematics of what Tim is referring to.

 

[Bob Bancroft]

The unit in my 4020 has been a challenge right along. I've had it out probably a half dozen times. I've had it to one dealer, and two local "experts". I've made out just as well the couple times I worked on it myself. That last time, after describing my troubles to the latest expert, he made me take the front unit all apart and re-seal it, before he would work on the valve. I found nothing wrong with it. Turns out he's a parts replacer. Had to pull the valve back out AFTER he put a lot of new stuff in it, and have him re-adjust it, so I could steer it both ways! Now, if you try it carefully, you can tell it turns a little better one way than the other.
If I ever have to take it out again, it's going to central Ohio.

 

[ben brown]

i have done a few if them don't like to.but they can be a challenge now bob they well turn easier to the right i think could be to the left and the reason for that is in turning the one way the oil goes from priority valve into steering valve to front steering motor when you turn it back the other way oil goes into bottom of the piston forcing it up forcing oil out the top of steering valve into the front steering motor making the turn to the right slightly harder. i had a couple tractor come in with steering problem that were the front motor . learned that the hard way to be sure check that its not front steering motor. so now if one come in i see how it steers then switch the line to steering motor up front and see if i have same problem most time if its a blown o-ring in front motor you well find that . so the guy having you rebuild you front motor could have saved you a lot time and money .

 

[tim s]

I don't mind doing them at all, and it's a good thing,,seems like I do about 2 or 3 a week, but bench testing them and having this nifty holding fixture makes it all work out great. I have a re-built 4020 steering motor built into the bench that makes the testing complete, both left and right, I was originally going to use a regular 3X8 cylinder, but the difference in displacement of the rod could have made a difference in the feel. Shipping them will be a bit of a hassle, they slobber oil unless you cap them good, and they are heavy, my guess is 60lb or so, if any one wants to run one to me I will do it while you wait and watch.These things are like anything else if you do enough of them it works out good....

 

[Bob Bancroft]

The 4020 has been semi-retired. So it wouldn't be an urgent issue now. I want to get out there some day. So, do I wait for the steering to mess up, or just make the trip, then have the steering mess up right after I get home?!

 

[tim s]

If it's working okay now it may be Okay for years to come...so go ahead and make the trip, you can watch me do one anytime...