580c backhoe steering???

[FlyinFarmall]

hi guys,
i got a 580c backhoe,im having steering problems-it will steer ok to the right,but not to the left,the left steering cyl has some leakage,but its been that way for awhile,anyone hear of this before? what should a guy look for first before i tear everything apart? thanx!!

 

[mEl]

If the steering wheel just spins without any restrction one way the packing in one of the cylinders is bad. If you have someone keep turning the wheel and see which cylinder heats up by feeling the hose fittings at the cylinder for warmth you should be able to isolate the bad cylinder. 90% of steering problems are from faulty cylinder piston packing. mEl

 

[FlyinFarmall]

thanx Mel,i was hoping you would see this,one cyl is leaking,so ill start there

 

[CaseNutty 1660]

mEl the (steering) control valve under the fuel tank
can cause this also just a thought Tom

 

[mEl]

Yes Tom it is possible but I play the percentages and cylinders are vastly more likely, the other test would be to get 4 JIC plugs and cap the lines coming down from the valve, that would tell the tale. mEl

 

[CaseNutty 1660]

I agree with your percentage guess but my guess is
because they are both two way cylinders and one will
turn the wheels just less power and will be more,,
how do I say it, sloppy, loose as you say as I it
can be either one have a great day Tom

 

[CaseNutty 1660]

also have had this being caused by the piston on the rod is floating in the cylinder

 

[mEl]

Tom, unlike the series of 530-580's preceeding it the C series does not have the steering spool valve up next to the front fuel tank support, valving is integrated into the more modern TRW or Ross style valve. While nothing is bulletproof I have only replaced one or two of those units but resealed the input shaft on many, same as the older units kit and procedure wise. The pistons indeed can come loose and cause a problem as the piston will slide away from the rod and allow oil to bypass the bolt, but seal when the oil pressure forces it against the rod, giving steering one way, really the way as I stated before is to plug off the line with JIC plugs and see what the steering wheel does then. then hooking one cylinder up at a time could isolate the faulty one. mEl