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john deere 318 steering issues when off

826 Views 6 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  knottyrope
i have a bunch of 318' i have a steering issue with some then there not running i can turn the wheel and tires do not move ....other ones i have i turn the wheel and the wheels turn nicely ...i was wondering why some work well and some dont ..i was thinking steering column or steering cylinder having leak by maybe i am missing something
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I think that 4 port type of steering valves in the earlier models will lose the ability to steer when the engine has been off for awhile and the system depressurizes, but the newer models with the 5 port valves operate longer when off. Mine is an older 4 port and it loses steering after about an hour but I can still get some steering out of it if I really crank on the wheel, it'll kick in and turn but it takes some effort.
As mentioned above, steering with the hydraulic system off (engine not running) takes more effort, but should still be effective. This would be true of both 4 and 5-port variations as long as the other hydro levers are not stuck open or in float.

The most common reason for steering to be absent after months of the driveshaft not being turned by a running engine is the fluid in the column might drain back down into the reservoir in the transmission, which is a low point in the system. There is also a check valve in the steering valve itself that makes that valve act as a pump to keep steering function when the tractor is not running. Here is what the manual says:
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This function is meant to allow for steering to continue after an engine power loss...it may not continue to work well after the fluids drain back after months of parking/inactivity. Some of my tractors would go 90 days or more without an issue with 'manual' steering, and other would not go that long. A freshly rebuilt steering column and valve should work as described above for weeks at least....

Any air in the hydraulic system will cause a loss of function of course.

Chuck
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As mentioned above, steering with the hydraulic system off (engine not running) takes more effort, but should still be effective. This would be true of both 4 and 5-port variations as long as the other hydro levers are not stuck open or in float.

The most common reason for steering to be absent after months of the driveshaft not being turned by a running engine is the fluid in the column might drain back down into the reservoir in the transmission, which is a low point in the system. There is also a check valve in the steering valve itself that makes that valve act as a pump to keep steering function when the tractor is not running. Here is what the manual says:
View attachment 286551
This function is meant to allow for steering to continue after an engine power loss...it may not continue to work well after the fluids drain back after months of parking/inactivity. Some of my tractors would go 90 days or more without an issue with 'manual' steering, and other would not go that long. A freshly rebuilt steering column and valve should work as described above for weeks at least....

Any air in the hydraulic system will cause a loss of function of course.

Chuck
so the issue is in the steering column ??
Steve,

Yes, there may be enough wear in the steering valve and column seals that some air is getting and letting the fluid drain back into the reservoir...how long do these tractors need to sit before the manual steering is not effective? If they lose power off steering ability in just a day or two, then you might want to look into a rebuild. If they have been out there for a year with not getting run, then engine-off steering issues are not to be unexpected.

Chuck
Steve,

Yes, there may be enough wear in the steering valve and column seals that some air is getting and letting the fluid drain back into the reservoir...how long do these tractors need to sit before the manual steering is not effective? If they lose power off steering ability in just a day or two, then you might want to look into a rebuild. If they have been out there for a year with not getting run, then engine-off steering issues are not to be unexpected.

Chuck
MY EXPERIENCE WITH THEM IF THEY DO NOT STEER AGE SITTING DOES NOT MATTER ..I HAVE A FEW THERE JUST LIKE THATA
its in the steering valve
you can rebuild it in many hours after getting it out

i beat the tires with a big mallet when i couldn't get it to run or crank it a few to get some pressure to steer
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