M7040 jerky/stiff steering

[Rmart30]

Looks like ive got a pump going out. Bought the tractor almost 2 yrs ago now and never really have had a chance to use it until now.
Now ive had some free time the other day to service it and use it a little.
Probably hasnt had 2 hours since I got it. has 5200 hrs on it. Was a 1 owner tractor from a nursery.

I knew when I bought it , that it was way overdue for service.
the hyd oil looked like muddy water. I saved the filters but havent cut them open yet to see how bad they look inside.
So i flushed what I could out and refilled.

The steering on it was little stiff when I went to look it over to buy. I was hoping it was just the steering shaft bearings needing oiled like it was on my 8540.
Turns out the longer you run it the worse the steering gets and the pump moans. After 2 hours of running its almost impossible to steer.
So i guess i will be putting a pump on it.

Anyone had any luck with the ebay pumps?

 

[Tx Jim]

I recommend performing good hydraulic diagnostic procedures before R&R hyd pump!!!!! I've read/heard over my many yrs associated with repairing tractors to learn that many hyd pumps have been replaced only to determine replaced pump was in fact a good pump!!

 

[Runs With Scissors]

I dont have any insight beyond agreeing with @Tx Jim

The Parts Cannon can be a very tempting, but very expensive thing to play with.

The first thing I would do is to get a Work Shop Manual (aka WSM) and study the schematic, or possibly, the WSM has an "outlined procedure" for troubleshooting?

Then start with the “basics” like cutting open those old filters, and posting pics……..

It may take a little more time and effort, but usually it’s worth it.

There is a plethora of talented people here to give advice and guidance if you run into questions.

Just my .02

Good Luck sir!!!!!

 

[TheOldHokie]

If it had badly contaminated fluid flush the PS system and clean every filter and strainer you can find before even thinking about the pump.

Dan

 

[Tx Jim]

I've owned a '11 Kubota M7040 HDC for 14 yrs & if there is a hyd oil suction screen or strainer I would like for someone to please point it out to me.

 

[TheOldHokie]

I've owned a '11 Kubota M7040 HDC for 14 yrs & if there is a hyd oil suction screen or strainer I would like for someone to please point it out to me.

This close enough?

 

[Tx Jim]

IMHO the items circled in red circle are hydraulic filters not a hydraulic oil suction screen/strainer that I inquired about.

I'm well aware where the hyd filters are located on my M7040 but I've never located a hyd oil screen.

 

[Rmart30]

the steering circuit is the most basic circuit there is on these tractors.
It consists of 3 components. Pump, steering orbital, steering cylinder.

Its not running thru a manifold with priority/diversion valves etc.

the only other variable in the circuit besides the pump is a pressure relief valve on the steering orbital valve, or the orbital itself.
IF its removable (some are, some arent) i could take it out and check for trash in it or a broken spring in it.


the Kubota manual testing for hard/erratic/jerky steering is.

A: pressure test gauge at the steer cylinder.
No need to do that as we already know the pressure to cylinder is low.

B: Use a flow meter and check that section of the pumps flow rate.
Buying a flow meter and the fittings/hoses needed to test it with costs more than what a new pump ($180) and a new steering orbital ($166) combined would cost me.

To do the flow test with what all needs to be removed for its hookup, all thats left is 2 mounting bolts and the suction line and the pump is off in your hand.

With 5000+ hours on the unit, for $180 and 20 minutes more worth of work I might as well throw a new pump on it at that time.

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

Lift both the front tires off the ground and see if the steering is smooth.
If it is, you have a blown inner seal on the steering cylinder.