60s Michigan steering problems

Dsperaw

New User
I just picked up an old loader with steering problems. Seems like a simple system. Gear driven pump pushing fluid to a steering cylinder. Im trying to determine weather the pump or cylinder needs repair.

I cracked open the line coming out of the pump and turned it on. There was a steady stream of fluid but it didnt spray like I thought it would with high pressure. Does this sound correct?

The cylinder could also just need to be rebuilt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!
 
(quoted from post at 14:29:51 09/21/21) I just picked up an old loader with steering problems. Seems like a simple system. Gear driven pump pushing fluid to a steering cylinder. Im trying to determine weather the pump or cylinder needs repair.

I cracked open the line coming out of the pump and turned it on. There was a steady stream of fluid but it didnt spray like I thought it would with high pressure. Does this sound correct?

The cylinder could also just need to be rebuilt.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Check the pressure. See what the pump is developing when you turn the steering wheel. Do Not deadhead the pump. What is it doing or not doing? Some of those old loaders wouldn't steer unless they were moving, even with the hydraulic assist.
 
(quoted from post at 19:10:59 09/21/21) what model michigan loader

125A. How would I measure the psi off the pump? I was hoping there would be an eyeball test for fluid spewing out of the pump!
 
Do you have any specs for the normal pressure?

If there is a service manual it will show the procedure for testing the pressure.

With the engine running and no steering demand, the pump sends oil to and through the directional valve, then back to the pump, so minimal pressure will be found by cracking the pressure line.

A redneck-do-it-atyour-own-risk method to check pump pressure is to squeeze shut the pressure hose, listen for the pump to moan and lug the engine. Just be aware it might damage the hose, and be sure to squeeze the pressure hose, not the return!

If the pump does not load, good assumption the pump or relief valve is getting weak.

If the pump responds, look at the cylinder seals or the directional valve. But most likely the cylinder seals.
 
Always remember when troubleshooting ANY hydraulic system, including engine oiling systems, automatic transmissions, etc., that pumps create flow, resistance to flow creates pressure.
 
I can see how the hose can break if clamped. They are thick. I wasnt able to run that test. Might just take the cylinder to a shop and have them check it. Anyone have an idea of part numbers or replacements for the cylinder or pump if they are shot?
 
Minnpar may be a parts source. They have some parts books on line. Here is a link you can click to go to the group with the 125s in it: some Michigan parts books There are a number of 125 variations so you will need to figure that out. Once you get a good idea of which you have, check out eBay for a service manual.

You might want to take this down to the Crawlers, Dozers, Loaders and Backhoes forum. There may be some there that can help with this that don't visit this forum much, if any.

This post was edited by Jim.ME on 10/04/2021 at 03:47 am.
 

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