3225 Steering Issue
 

When mowing the steering got continually worse until the wheels would not turn. The hydraulics appear to be working fine (3 pt hitch, deck up and down, forward, reverse, etc) I removed deck and checked for mechanical interference and all is good. Greased up all fittings and inspected steering cylinder and no leaks were seen. With front of mower lifted with power on, the steering cylinder appears to be working fine when tuning the wheel. Took it for a test run and steering was ok. When turning the wheel with power off I could "hear" what sounded like gears skipping especially when turning the wheel in a CC direction so I suspected the spline gears on the upper or lower steering shaft may be causing the issue. I inspected the bottom spline on the upper shaft and the top spline and coupling on the lower shaft. They look good.

How can I remove the lower shaft to inspect the bottom spline/gear that goes into the steering unit? Thinking that there is some wear in this end. Does it just pull out? Thanks!

I'm thinking that sound you are hearing may be normal if the engine is off. I've not heard of many issues with the steering system on the 3000 series but maybe yours is an issue.

Several of my 3000 series will not steer straight because the steering cylinder leaks internally because of worn internal parts. It will get worse as the hydraulic oil heats up and becomes thinner. The oil doesn't leak outside of the unit but from one side of the cylinder to the other. If you have the skills, you can cut it apart and rebuild it or go the easy route and replace it.

Here is the company that made them for Cub cadet. Double check the part#.
https://www.customcylindersint.com/p...ering-cylinder

Here is a link to the free 3000 series manual if you need one.
https://www.ccpartsnmore.com/cub-cadet-service-manuals

Thanks! I may get a cylinder on order then!