John deere steering problem

[Deere 6430]

6310 that the steering has gone slightly heavy on at times
The steering wheel is almost turning itself when you turn ant the end of a field you can feel the pressure as such come and go. Steering is usually very light and precise.

When you turn it back to drive straight the steering wheel will almost turn to get back straight once the front wheels are almost straight then when turning its heavy then really light and almost turns itself until you turn it back.

No obvious signs of anything and two people haven't had any real ideas except hydraulic pump LS screw or blocked filters. Filters are clean. Oil is at correct level etc

Tractor does the same when hot and cold.
Any thoughts

 

[Lincs Lass]

The unit at the base of the steering column

 

[Deere 6430]

Thank you, what about this unit? It is repairable or you mean it needs a new unit? Did you have similar problems?

 

[roscoe erf]

6310 that the steering has gone slightly heavy on at times
The steering wheel is almost turning itself when you turn ant the end of a field you can feel the pressure as such come and go. Steering is usually very light and precise.

When you turn it back to drive straight the steering wheel will almost turn to get back straight once the front wheels are almost straight then when turning its heavy then really light and almost turns itself until you turn it back.

No obvious signs of anything and two people haven't had any real ideas except hydraulic pump LS screw or blocked filters. Filters are clean. Oil is at correct level etc

Tractor does the same when hot and cold.
Any thoughts

if its the same as a 50 series it will be the front orbital pump breaking up don't know if its the same on yours though

 

[Lincs Lass]

Read of a few members having similar problems with other brands ,@Phil P is your best bet for an answer

 

[Phil P]

If the wheel turns by it’s self then either the centring spring in the steering orbital has broken or there is scoring between the valve in the centre of the orbital and the outer sleeve. Either way it’s a new orbital unit, I wouldn’t recommend trying to repair it unless you’re VERY handy with the spanner’s.

As I always say though Ideally it’s needs to be press tested by someone who knows the system before you start throwing £5-600 valves at it.

 

[Deere 6430]

Ok thanks, sounds good. The steering doesn’t turn by itself out of the blue but carries on turning very slightly when I’m turning it. Is the orbital unit difficult to change?

 

[Phil P]

Ok thanks, sounds good. The steering doesn’t turn by itself out of the blue but carries on turning very slightly when I’m turning it. Is the orbital unit difficult to change?

Bit of a fiddle as most of the dash cowlings need to come out to get to the top bolts and it’s a tight fit getting on some of the pipes, there’s much worse jobs to do though.