IH 340 Utility Power Steering troubleshooting

15DenaliSummit · Jun 1, 2020

Hi guys, a new member and tractor owner here, I just bought a 1959 IH 340 Utility with a wagner loader and backhoe on it, serial # 2418W. Right now the power steering is not working at all, but the manual steering is. I topped off the hydro fluid to see if it helped to no avail. I was wondering what would be the next step on finding out the issue. I'm a young small engine mechanic so this bigger tractor is a jump for me, thanks in advance.

Steve@Advance · Jun 2, 2020

Welcome 15DenaliSummit!

I thought someone would have answered with more direct knowledge of that particular tractor, and maybe they will.

I'm thinking it has a separate pump for the power steering, mounted on the front of the engine. Did you find that and is the reservoir full of oil?

How is this steering system designed? Is there an assist cylinder connected to the linkage, or is it a self contained steering gear?

Either way, first thing to do is determine if the pump is making pressure.

When you turn the steering wheel, do you hear the pump load (whining sound), the engine slow, the hose jump?

Looking into the oil reservoir, do you see any circulation of oil?

A quick test, crack the pressure line loose at a convenient place, turn the wheel and see if pressurized fluid sprays. If no pressure at all, chances are the pump is not working.

If there is some pressure, that at least says the pump is turning and the problem could be in the gear, or the cylinder or directional valve.

If you can, get back with more information, try these tests.

Let us know...

Roger Tomfohrde · Jun 2, 2020

Having been looking for a 340 there is a couple different ways they could have done the hydraulic. One is with a engine mounted pump similar to the C-240 series. Two is with a transmission mounted pump similar to the 460-560. And they also could have a pump mounted out front with either of the two mentioned systems installed as well. I believe, that there is possibly a priority valve that splits hydraulics to the steering which is power assist under the fuel tank(not 100% sure though likely with the first mentioned pump). 560 which I am familiar with takes a pump piggybacked on the transmission and uses the rear end oil(likely the same as a 340). It is dedicated to the steering and you can put a gauge on it to check if you have pressure. Note here if the hydraulic filter is plugged the steering suffers first and then the rest, a gauge will tell.
You really need a manual here as there are too many variations. First thing is change the filter, and then see if you have flow and pressure to the unit under the tank.

Roger Tomfohrde · Jun 2, 2020

I also forgot that that type of power assist is know for breaking the small rack that "assists" the steering. Looks like a small cylinder attached to the rack. Hard to get that part.

IH 340 Utility Power Steering troubleshooting

15DenaliSummit

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Steve@Advance

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Roger Tomfohrde

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Roger Tomfohrde

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