4440 lumpy steering feeling

[SmalltimeJd]

Steering is not smooth. As you're turning, you can feel it turn easy, then hard, then easy. It's not a nice steady turn. Thinking something in the steering motor is wore out?

 

[Tx Jim]

I suggest to check hyd stand-by pressure which should be 2250-2350 psi. How many hrs of use since hyd filter was changed & hyd oil suction screen checked//cleaned? Then check tiny screens in steering block in front off firewall & how easily spool moves inside of the block.

 

[SmalltimeJd]

I suggest to check hyd stand-by pressure which should be 2250-2350 psi. How many hrs of use since hyd filter was changed & hyd oil suction screen checked//cleaned? Then check tiny screens in steering block in front off firewall & how easily spool moves inside of the block.

We're at 2300 psi. 400 hours on new oil and filters, and magnet was put in suction screen at that time. I say filters because its a Powershift. I think quads only have 1 filter if I'm not mistaken.
How easily or hard should that spool move in the block? I took both end plugs out and can push on the spool as hard as I can with my thumb and it won't budge

 

[Tx Jim]

IIRC spool shouldn't be very difficult to move in housing. I agree PS trans has 2 filters & QR has 1 hyd filter. Maybe someone with more recent experience will help you.

 

[JIM MN]

Oil pressure has to move that spool valve. Valve should move free? Take out and try a clean-up!

 

[matthies]

Spindles been welded on or greased lately??

 

[SmalltimeJd]

Does anyone know what the difference is between the steering valve for a 2wd vs a hydraulic front wheel assist?
The part # of the old one that I have off the tractor is R110470 which crosses to an AR72338 which is for a 2wd. John deere can order this one.
Number for front wheel assist one is RE20681 and that one is backordered.

 

[Hay maker2]

I have delt with steering issues on my 4240 with the same lumpy feeling. I would start by pushing down on the steering wheel and seeing if that makes it steer better. If so, there is a thrust bearing / needle bearing in the steering shaft that is bad. I just replaced this in my 4240 a month ago. Ironically enough, when I stopped at my JD dealer to pick up the parts I walked out back and one of the mechanics was doing the same thing on a 4440 and stated that it’s a common issue on tractors of this age.

A couple of years ago the spool in the steering valve under the hood was gulled up and dragging. I initially honed the housing out and polished the spool and ran it like that for a year or so before I changed it out. It would drive fine but setting idle the steering wheels would drift. Once you turned the wheel it would correct itself.

Start with the steering shaft