BX Steering Cylinder Question

[Henro]

My BX2200 has never been perfect from day one when I purchased it new. It always wanted to drift a bit when mowing in a straight line. Noticeable over a 100 foot stretch for sure. From when new.

Now after 20 years it has gotten progressively worse. I think occasionally I have to turn the steering wheel a full turn once in a while before the tires will start to turn. NOT all the time, but sometimes. AND generally it takes a bit of a turn in either direction, to get the tires to start turning. The amount is variable.

I concluded I should rebuild or replace the steering cylinder.

But my question is, since this was apparent to some degree from when new, and has gotten progressively worse over 20 years, could the issue really be with the unit (forget the name of it) that is connected to the steering wheel and supplies hydraulic fluid to the steering cylinder?

I know the simple answer is to replace/rebuild the steering cylinder and see what happens. I will do this as the next step, but my curiosity is getting the better of me...appreciate any thoughts on the chances the described issue is NOT due to a steering cylinder seal failure.

 

[Kennyd4110]

I would guess it is the Orbital Steering Valve, the thing that you couldn't remember the name of that is bypassing internally.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Lift the front Wheels off the ground.
With it running:
Slowly turn the wheel, does it still take a while for the wheels to move?
If it does then it could be the controller.

Is it a consistent lag each direction?
Does the steering ever get hard to steer?
Does it change at all when you do a fluid and filter change?
Does it always drift the same direction?

Shut it off:
Grab a tire and try and turn the front end either direction.
Does the tire move?
If it does it's most likely a steering cylinder issue.

 

[Henro]

Lift the front Wheels off the ground.
With it running:
Slowly turn the wheel, does it still take a while for the wheels to move?
If it does then it could be the controller.

Is it a consistent lag each direction?
Does the steering ever get hard to steer?
Does it change at all when you do a fluid and filter change?
Does it always drift the same direction?

Shut it off:
Grab a tire and try and turn the front end either direction.
Does the tire move?
If it does it's most likely a steering cylinder issue.

I will try these things when I can. And report back.

 

[DustyRusty]

Should have complained to the selling dealer 20 years ago and had it fixed under the warranty. Call the dealer and see if they will give you a courtesy repair!