No power steering

[seahaul]

On a 7254, power steering does not work. I think the hydraulic pump is okay because the front loader is working. Any advice on how to troubleshoot the steering?

[seahaul]

I found the problem, it was air in the hydraulic lines. Bled out the air and all worked. I did discover there are actually two pumps, one for steering and 3pt hitch, and another for front loader. A third pump is for the hydrostatic drive.
Now I have to find where air is getting into the system.

[Jim Becker]

Assuming the level in the reservoir has been adequate, about the only way air can get into the system is through a leak on the suction side of the pump. I'm not familiar with that model, so this is mostly a guess. Is there a filter,? If so, was it recently changed? The filter change can introduce a bunch of air that needs to be bled out. People often end up with a leak at or near the filter after it has been changed. Is there any hard line in the suction connection from the reservoir to the relevant pump? Sometimes those lines crack (often from vibration). Is part of the suction connection a hose? If so, check it for deterioration.

[seahaul]

Thanks for the tips. The filter was recently changed and the suction line is metal, so both are possibilities. I'll do some more checking.
Jim, your knowledge always amazes me!