L4060 Steering Noise and Stiff Response

[RocketGuy]

Good afternoon all,

I have a 2022 L4060LE with ~65 hours on it.

I recently noticed a gurgling/crackling noise coming from the front steering rack. It’s present when turning the wheel from stopped and when moving. I lifted the front off the ground and the noise is less noticeable, so it’s dependent on pressure the cylinder is having to exert. It sounds like loud rice crispies in milk if that makes sense .

I originally thought it was air in the system after the 50 hour service, but should have purged out by now. I also checked fluid level and it’s good as well as no obvious leaks up front.

It could also be something else in the steering, but seems isolated to the hyd system and steering rack.

I was hoping someone had some thoughts on this before taking to the dealer.

I took a video, but it’s not easily picked up on the recording due to engine running. I’ll see if I can get it posted.

 

[Fedup]

What's a steering rack? Most similar tractors would have a steering cylinder, a steering control valve (related shafts, U joints, ETC to operate it), and maybe a steering pump. Where's the rack?

 

[RocketGuy]

Apologies, I misspoke. It has a steering cylinder fed by the power steering controller/pump up under the front of the tractor.

 

[Fedup]

And the cylinder is the source of Snap, Krackle, and Pop? It's got nothing to do with rusty tie rod ends, ball joints, or anything with the spindle units?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

And the cylinder is the source of Snap, Krackle, and Pop? It's got nothing to do with rusty tie rod ends, ball joints, or anything with the spindle units?

At 65 hours I would hope not!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

If you have a helper, I would suggest using a pry bar like a doctors stethascope(held against your ear) to try and locate the source.

Have the helper turn the wheel as you put the pry bar on different parts while turning the wheels.

(And "no" this is not a prank....it actually works )

They do sell mechanics stethoscopes too, but the prybar/screwdriver method/trick works pretty good.

 

[RocketGuy]

Thanks all

I too hope that at 65 hours it’s not anything with the front spindles or the drive axel. I have visually inspected the tie rod ends and ball joints. All look good.

Going to try the stethoscope idea! Should help narrow it down and I can report back if it is indeed the cylinder.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Thanks all

I too hope that at 65 hours it’s not anything with the front spindles or the drive axel. I have visually inspected the tie rod ends and ball joints. All look good.

Going to try the stethoscope idea! Should help narrow it down and I can report back if it is indeed the cylinder.

It's the center seal of the steering cylinder that's bad.