M5700 steering trouble

[Justincampbellusa]

I have a m5700 that is hard to steer. I just changed the hydraulic fluid and both filters but that didn't seem to help. I bled both sides of the steering cylinder that didn't help either. I can push down with my front end loader to get the front end of the ground and it works great so I know that I don't have a bent shaft. Any help or suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Bulldog]

Is this a new problem or on going?

Hard to steer when sitting still or while in motion?

Hrs on machine?

Type fluid used?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

On your description I would say blown center seal on the steering cylinder.
You can confirm this by removing one line off the cylinder, put the line in a bucket and secure (should only drip), and put the bucket under the cylinder, only turn the steering slowly towards the side that you removed the line, if it's got a bad seal it will keep spitting fluid when you reach the end of the stroke.

 

[Justincampbellusa]

This is a new problem, been doing it for about a month now. Steering is decent while in motion but won't turn at all sitting still. There is approx 1000 hrs on it. The fluid is Napa premium tractor fluid that I've been using in all my tractors.


I will try taking the hoses off tomorrow to test this theory. If it turns out to be this seal how hard is it to replace? Is this a common problem?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Hose, not hoses, two hoses off will give you some real messy results!
If it is the seal it's a very easy fix!
It's the most common issue when you have a steering problem.
Remove the tie rods, remove a couple snap rings, pull cylinder, pull the ends off, and then pull the center out and replace seal and O-ring.