PRELIMINARY – For Toro Distributor and Toro Company use only. Steering Circuit Problems Problem
Possible Cause
Steering wheel is hard to turn.
Power steering valve has insufficient oil flow (see Steering/Lift Circuit Gear Pump Flow Test in the Testing section of this chapter). Emergency steering ball in power steering valve is missing or damaged.
Regular adjustments to steering wheel are necessary because of difficulty to drive in a straight line.
Leaf springs in power steering valve are worn or broken. Gear wheel set in power steering valve is worn. Steering cylinder is seized or its piston seals are worn (see Power Steering Valve Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Steering wheel will not return to the neutral position.
Spool and sleeve are sticking to power steering housing assembly (see Power Steering Valve Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Steering wheel can turn on its own.
Leaf springs in power steering valve are broken or stuck. Spool and sleeve are sticking to power steering housing assembly (see Power Steering Valve Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Backlash results when turning steering wheel.
Cardan shaft fork in power steering valve is worn or broken. Leaf springs in power steering valve are worn or broken. Splines on the steering column are worn.
Rear wheel shimmies when the steering wheel is turned.
Air is in the steering cylinder.
The steering wheel can be turned without the rear wheel turning.
The steering cylinder is worn.
Steering response is too slow and heavy when trying to turn quickly.
The rear gear pump section is worn or damaged (steering and charge circuits affected as well) (see Steering/Lift Circuit Gear Pump Flow Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Turning steering wheel turns machine in the opposite direction.
Hoses to the steering cylinder are reversed.
Steering force (possibly to one side only) is insufficient.
Relief valve in power steering valve is leaking or damaged (see Steering/Lift Relief Valve Pressure Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Mechanical connections to the wheel or wheel bearing are worn.
The gear set in the power steering valve is worn.
Hoses to the power steering valve are not connected to correct ports.
Rear gear pump section is worn or damaged (steering and charge circuits affected as well) (see Steering/Lift Circuit Gear Pump Flow Test in the Testing section of this chapter).
Hydraulic System
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Greensmaster 3300/3400