I have a L4240 that has gradually lost power steering. At first, it would be hard to steer and then loosen up and turn freely. Now it is like driving with very low hydraulic pressure. I have changed all fluids and filters. I have cleaned the strainer. I have removed the pressure relief valve and cleaned it. After cleaning the relief valve, the steering got just slightly better but not really usable. I have read the service manual and it indicates that the issue could be any of 3 things. The cylinder, the control valve (mounted just under the battery), or the hydraulic pump. I have been told that the pump has 2 separate stages or 2 pumps in one. The loader, the 3 pt hitch and the external hydraulics on the rear work perfectly. Only the power steering is not working. Anyone had this issue or have any advice? a new OEM pump is 1600 dollars and the distribution valve(under battery) is 1500. Thats a lot of money to throw at it and not know if its the part i need.
L4240 GST power steering problems
- Thread starter epollan2000
- Start date
North Idaho Wolfman
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Equipment
L3450DT-GST, Woods FEL, B7100 HSD, FEL, 60" SB, 743 Bobcat with V2203, and more
If it moves it's not the pump, because the second stage of the pump runs the Steering and GST.
It also not the distribution valve if it moves, as that controls the GST too.
The FEL, Three point, and the remotes all run off the main stage of the pump.
You more then likely have a blown internal center seal on the steering cylinder, super easy fix.
It also not the distribution valve if it moves, as that controls the GST too.
The FEL, Three point, and the remotes all run off the main stage of the pump.
You more then likely have a blown internal center seal on the steering cylinder, super easy fix.
Update. Long story as short as possible. Tractor does have 2 stage pump but second stage only runs power steering as far as I can tell. It only has 1 pressure line to steering valve up front. 1 line to each side of the cylinder and a return. Had cylinder rebuilt and still had same issue. All other hydraulics and trans worked fine. Found a tiny crack in suction line that feeds both stages of the pump. The crack was under the factory gray paint from kubota. Apparently it was sucking a tiny amount of air. Not enough to effect the performance of the first stage but just enough to starve the second stage. Replaced suction hose and everything works as it should now. Thanks to everyone on this forum for helping one another out.