A power steering cylinder repair can be an expensive fix, and if you need an aftermarket Mahindra tractor power steering cylinder, Reubicon offers great deals on steering cylinders as well as many other aftermarket Mahindra tractor parts.

Power steering cylinders are a key component of your tractor’s hydraulic power steering system, and this device converts hydraulic fluid pressure into mechanical force to help turn the front wheels more easily.

Signs Your Steering Cylinder Needs To Be Replaced

There are several signs that may indicate you may have a steering cylinder issue. If you notice any of these, it’s probably time to purchase an aftermarket Mahindra tractor power steering cylinder and swap out the old one.

1. Difficulty With Steering

If you notice that you are using quite a bit more force to turn your steering, particularly when you are driving at low speeds or using front-end attachments, this could be a sign that the power steering cylinder is not transferring hydraulic pressure efficiently.

However, this issue also could be caused by low or contaminated hydraulic fluid. We recommend checking for this issue first, as you may just need to add fluid or swap out the old filter for a new aftermarket Mahindra hydraulic filter, and we typically have affordable hydraulic filters in stock for just about any Mahindra tractor model.

Additionally, steering issues could be caused by a faulty steering control valve or perhaps even a weak or failing hydraulic pump. With the pump, you may notice that, in addition to difficulty steering, other hydraulic functions may be slow.

Sometimes, something simple, such as uneven tire pressure, can cause sluggish steering, which can be remedied by adding air to the tires. Using front-end attachments that are too heavy for your tractor model also can cause this issue.

2. Hydraulic Fluid Leaks

Leaking seals are a common issue, and if you notice leaks near the cylinder rod, mounting points or hoses, it might be time to replace the cylinder.  Keep in mind, if the steering cylinder still seems to be in good condition, it can be smart to purchase replacement seals, as this is a cheaper fix, and seals can break down faster than the actual cylinder. 

However, if you notice that the piston or cylinder bore is worn or corroded, new seals will not fix the issue. If the rod is bent or your cylinder is fairly old, it’s best to just replace the steering cylinder and start fresh. At Reubicon, our aftermarket Mahindra tractor parts catalog includes aftermarket Mahindra power steering cylinder seal kits at an affordable price, as well as replacement cylinders. 

3. Tractor Is Pulling To One Side

Sometimes, if your cylinder is damaged or leaking, this creates unequal pressure in the steering system, causing the tractor to pull to one side during operation. You likely will notice this more when carrying a heavy load or driving on uneven ground. 

Of course, this also could be due to excessive tire wear or uneven tire pressure, so check for those issues first. Front-end alignment issues also can cause a tractor to pull to one side. 

You also should check the steering linkage components, such as the tie rods, kingpins and ball joints, as this issue can be caused if they are worn or damaged. Typically, this occurs due to a lack of lubrication, and making sure that all of the parts of your tractor are lubricated properly can go a long way toward extending the life of your tractor and avoiding costly repairs. 

It's also smart to check the brakes, as a dragging brake or an issue with the front axle differential also can cause a tractor to pull to one side, especially when carrying a heavy load. Generally, if the issue occurs only when turning, this points to a hydraulic issue. If the issue happens constantly, it’s like a tire issue or a mechanical issue. 

4. Other Steering Issues

If you must turn the steering wheel several inches before the wheels start to move, this can indicate that there is excessive wear in your power steering cylinder, although it also could indicate that the control valve or linkage is worn, so be sure to check for those issues, as well. 

Additionally, a jerky or uneven steering response can indicate steering cylinder issues. Again, this also could be due to issues with seals rather than the actual cylinder, so be sure to look for any leaking fluid.  

5. Noisy Operation

If you notice squeaking, whining or hissing noises when turning, this also may indicate hydraulic issues. This may or may not be due to cylinder issues, but if there are leaks or any internal issues in the cylinder, this can cause pressure fluctuations that create these sounds.

First, check the fluid levels, as low hydraulic fluid could cause a whining or humming noise. This also could be due to air in the system or a worn hydraulic pump. If you do need a pump, you can find an affordable aftermarket Mahindra tractor hydraulic pump as well as general aftermarket Mahindra tractor hydraulic parts in our online catalog.

If you hear squealing noises, be sure to check the belts, as this could be the issue, especially on older tractor models with belt-driven pumps. You also should inspect the hoses and fittings, as even a tiny air leak can cause these noises to occur.

How Often Do Steering Cylinders Need Replacement?

This depends on the level of use as well as how you maintain your tractor. A well-maintained tractor steering cylinder can last for many years and may not need to be replaced during your tractor’s lifetime. 

However, heavily used tractors, even with proper maintenance, might need steering cylinders replaced within 5-8 years. Typically, if you keep hydraulic fluids topped off, replace the filter when needed, and keep the tractor lubricated, the steering cylinder should remain in good shape for many years. A clean, well-maintained tractor (and its parts) can last well beyond the warranty without incurring any significant mechanical issues. 

Keep Your Tractor In Great Shape With Reubicon!

At Reubicon Tractor Parts, we offer a huge selection of affordable aftermarket Mahindra parts and aftermarket Mahindra tractor filters to help keep your tractor in top shape. We also sell a huge selection of aftermarket Mahindra Roxor parts and aftermarket Case IH parts. If you don’t see the specific part or filter you need, get in touch with us at any time, as we likely can source whatever you might need.