Power Steering Cylinder Repair, Kama 554

[PJ]

Parry, My 604 will do that, (bypass), if I pull fairly hard against the stop. I'm not sure, but there might be a pressure relief bypass valve in the system somewhere. It doesn't bother me, as I know when it gets to the stop to back off a little and it stays where I put it. PJ

Not saying it's the same as your tractor, but steering systems don't vary that much. I just broke out my parts book and on the 604, everything is controlled within the steering box. I don't have a break down of the box as it's listed as a complete unit. I don't think it's your steering cylinder, but I guess there is a possibility of bypassing the piston somewhat. Those cylinders will last a long time as long as someone doesn't beat on them. I've seen this same thing on some construction equipment over the years. Aside from replacing the box with one that has closer tolerances, I think it's something you'll have to get used to. PJ

[psj12]

I do not have to be against the stops for it to bypass. It will do it jus while trying to maintain a straight line while brush hogging. it does it worse in a turn.

[PJ]

Oct 28, 2009 9:57:26 GMT -5 psj12 said:

I do not have to be against the stops for it to bypass. It will do it jus while trying to maintain a straight line while brush hogging. it does it worse in a turn.

Wow, that's bad. I didn't realize it was that bad. Is this tractor new or one of the older models? If an older model, maybe a newer style box will cure the problem. Sorry, I have no answer for you. Have you searched the net for other owners? PJ

[psj12]

I believe it is a 06 Kama 554. I have already put a heavier viscosity fluid in the steer system. I flushed out all the old fluid. I decided that rebuilding the cylinder was required since it also started leaking out the cyliner end cap seal.

[PJ]

Oct 29, 2009 5:48:56 GMT -5 psj12 said:

I believe it is a 06 Kama 554. I have already put a heavier viscosity fluid in the steer system. I flushed out all the old fluid. I decided that rebuilding the cylinder was required since it also started leaking out the cyliner end cap seal.

Yeah I agree, if it's leaking out the end seal, a rebuild would be the best. Did the heaver fluid help any? PJ

[3RRL]

Parry,
I believe Greg G is running very heavy oil in his power steering ... something equivalent to 50w.
I think it's an ISO 100 or something like that.

BTW, did you check out the filter?
When I did my 700hr service last week, I noticed my power steering filter was starting to disintegrate. I drained the fluid and flushed with kerosene. Then refilled with AW32 and new filter. The steering is good (I have no leaks like you do) but every once in a while I still get that symptom like I described before, where it feels like there is a blockage or something that keeps the steering from moving freely. Then it disappears and works great until the next time it happens.

I've also noticed that the power steering loves higher rpms.
The steering is sluggish at lower rpms (under 1000) but picks up nicely when I get the rpms up a bit up from that.

I don't know what the problem is either.
I had the power steering hyd pump apart before and there was a loose component ... a bushing of some sort that had a smaller orifice in it. I put it back where I thought it should go and the steering was real good for about a year and a half. I think I have a thread about doing that somewhere? Maybe that little bushing worked it's way loose again (on my Kama)?

OK, here is the thread ... see the bushing in reply #4.
Power Steering Pump Repair Kama 554
I see you also have a reply in that thread.

Rob-

[psj12]

I have been communicating with Chip at ARTRAC and the factory stopped using that cylinder so he cannot get a kit for it. He is able to order one of the newer model cylinders for $175. I guess I should order it. My fear is, the bypass problem could be in the steer gear box not the cylinder. Is there a way anyone can think of to check this?

[PJ]

Block a pressure line or lines going to the cylinder, start the tractor up and keep it at idle, slowly apply pressure to the steering wheel, if it continuesly moves, the bypass is in the box, if not, it's in the cyl. PJ

[3RRL]

Parry,
You could always try to get a cylinder from Surplus Center or the likes.
Even if you have to modify it little to work, you could at least boil it down to whether it's the cylinder or the gear box.
Rob-

[psj12]

I finally got around to getting my new steering cylinder for my 554 and installing it. Chip said the original was not rebuildable due to the manufacturer not using that maker anymore. The replacement looked identical and since neither of them had any marks I could not tell if they were made by different manufactures.

I filled the resevoir with 30 wt fluid and started the tractor and warmed it up. Driving in a straight line across an open field still requires a slow rotation of the steering wheel (CCW). This occurs in both directions across the field but is much reduced from what it was.