Hydraulic steering problem John Deere 6330

[Simple Farmer]

I think I have a problem with my John Deere 6330 hydraulic steering and I’m in the middle of cutting and baling hay. Great.

It seems while I’m sitting still I can slowly turn the steering wheel and nothing will happen. When I turn it quickly, I can move from full left to full right and even feel it stop somewhat and the end. If I stop at the end, either left or right, there is a slight rebound. Driving down the road it feels “mushy”. It seems like I’m always having to correct.

Hydraulic fluid level is good and there are no leaks I can see. Loader and three point lift work fine. Transmission and brakes are working. Four wheel drive is working.

Anyway, I need some quick answers and maybe some good news. Any answers will be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Simple Farmer]

I do have a fine collection of hammers and crowbars just waiting for something to do.

 

[Tx Jim]

To my knowledge there isn't much other than repairing external leaks that can be performed on those type of hydrostatic steering valves. New valve is around $1300. I wish you the best on your tractors repair.

 

[Simple Farmer]

I've had someone tell me that if a screen is clogged steering would be the first to be affected. So maybe I need to change that screen and maybe a new filter. I have no idea where these are.

 

[Tx Jim]

Power-quad trans suction screen is item 3

 

[620 John]

Which style of steering cylinder does it have?? One big cylinder in the center of the machine with two rods coming out of it??? Or does it have two single acting cylinders mounted to the axle housing??

Since you've got MFWD I'm guessing it's the one big cylinder with two rods coming out the sides. You can turn the wheels all the way one way and disconnect the hydraulic hose on whichever side would be needed to turn the wheel back the other way. If possible, cap the hydraulic hose that you disconnected and leave the steering cylinder side of it open. Start the tractor and dead head the wheels in the same direction that you previously did and see if you get a lot of oil coming out of the steering cylinder. I say cap the hose that you disconnected because if something's goofed up in the valve you might have oil all over the place. Should be a metric flat faced fitting. If you can't come up with a cap, aim the hose into a bucket and stay clear of it when you start the tractor. Make sure you turn the wheels in the correct direction.

 

[Simple Farmer]

Here is an update…

I changed the filters and the fluid. That made a big improvement. However, I am still fighting the steering wheel. It seems like I am constantly steering. I can’t’ hold the steering wheel still and continue in the that direction. If I am turning right or left I have to continue to turn the wheel to maintain and constant turning angle.

I had a very difficult time removing the smaller spin on filter. Putting a 1/2” breakover into the fitting at the end of the filter did not work since the fitting was damaged. Not enough room for regular filter removing wrenches and the leverage needed to remove it. Tried many different things and was about to give up when I discovered a Snap-on strap wrench. Placed that on the filter and removed with my breakover (extra long BTO) and off it came. It’s a good thing, because I was about to try crying. Highly recommended for filter removal.

 

[Simple Farmer]

Which style of steering cylinder does it have?? One big cylinder in the center of the machine with two rods coming out of it??? Or does it have two single acting cylinders mounted to the axle housing??

Since you've got MFWD I'm guessing it's the one big cylinder with two rods coming out the sides. You can turn the wheels all the way one way and disconnect the hydraulic hose on whichever side would be needed to turn the wheel back the other way. If possible, cap the hydraulic hose that you disconnected and leave the steering cylinder side of it open. Start the tractor and dead head the wheels in the same direction that you previously did and see if you get a lot of oil coming out of the steering cylinder. I say cap the hose that you disconnected because if something's goofed up in the valve you might have oil all over the place. Should be a metric flat faced fitting. If you can't come up with a cap, aim the hose into a bucket and stay clear of it when you start the tractor. Make sure you turn the wheels in the correct direction.

I have the one big cylinder with two rods coming out.

After I do all that, what exactly is it going to prove or help me fix? I’m just not certain what I will need to do next.

 

[Tx Jim]

I suggest to check steering cylinder under front of tractor for a failed piston packing.

 

[Simple Farmer]

There.isn’t any signs of leaking. Can the failure your talking about occur without any leaks?

 

[Tx Jim]

Leak I was referring to is internally within cylinder barrel.

 

[620 John]

I have the one big cylinder with two rods coming out.

After I do all that, what exactly is it going to prove or help me fix? I’m just not certain what I will need to do next.

It'll help narrow down the problem if there's an internal leak in the steering cylinder.