Prestige power steering issue

[Robert Kehoe]

I just bought a 2002 - 2004 23hp Koehler Prestige. When I turn the wheel to the right, it works fine, when I turn the wheel to the left, it turns a little bit but make a clicking sound. Not sure if it's a gear slipping or could it be low on oil and a valve is opening and closing, but not working. Where can I check the oil, and how do I fill it (wheel all the way to the right, or all the way to the left, or straightforward.)  Also what oil would it take?

[SmilinSam]

Quote

I just bought a 2002 - 2004 23hp Koehler Prestige. When I turn the wheel to the right, it works fine, when I turn the wheel to the left, it turns a little bit but make a clicking sound. Not sure if it's a gear slipping or could it be low on oil and a valve is opening and closing, but not working.

 

The earlier Prestiges all used a mechanical steering system with a Charlynn type power assist unit (torque generator) in line with the steering shaft between the steering wheel and the gear set under the middle of the tractor. 

 Check the teeth on the gear at  end of the shaft and the quadrant gear it mates too.Check for :

Damaged teeth on both parts. See if they are worn or if the teeth are just not meshing together tight like they should

Worn bushings  at the end of the shaft and in the quadrant mechanism can cause play that will not let the gear teeth come together tight. Check for looseness and play.

Not sure there is any real adjustment that can be done for gear mesh, but could be . depending on whether the mounts for the assembles have room for such adjustment.

 

Nice thing is if you are dealing with worn parts everything with the axle and steering  up to the end of the steering shaft can be replaced using used parts from Broadmoor and ConQuest tractors of the same age and style. Those parts are all the same part numbers between the three tractors. Case in point I completely swapped my whole front axle and spindles that were worn out on my 03 Prestige  with parts from a 05 Broadmoor.

If its none of the above I guess it could be the PS unit. However when they get bad they usually still steer but wont hold position. You end up constantly correcting the travel.

Edited July 25, 2024 by SmilinSam

[SmilinSam]

40 minutes ago, Robert Kehoe said:

Where can I check the oil, and how do I fill it (wheel all the way to the right, or all the way to the left, or straightforward.)  Also what oil would it take?

Hydraulic system oil is in a  clear plastic  oil expansion tank under the seat. Oil level is supposed to sit about 7/16" from the bottom of the tank. You have to look from the side by the tire. May have to jack up the tractor and remove the wheel to get an adequate view. If the oil is still the factory installed oil you use 10W30 SG/CD or better. ( I changed to the expensive Tuff Torq oil after a candid discussion with the Tuff Torque company rep)

Fill is under the seat under the plug in the seat deck. Takes a long funnel. Make SURE you have ALL the dirt blown & cleaned away from the whole  area under the seat deck. Dirt in the system will kill your transmission.