LS180 Hydros Loud and Jerk

[mfyock]

I just picked up a 2000 NH LS180. Machine has 4300 hours on it and has been used and abused in a salvage yard. Sometimes the machine will sit and run with no problems, and other times the one side will just start moving pushing the machine in a circle. That same side also goes too fast when trying to drive in a straight line. I think thats just a nuetral adjustment. The other issue is that they hydros seam to be very loud, and occassionly when you are using the machine they will jerk. Like when moving from forward to reverse it will jerk going to reverse instead of a nice smooth transition. Any ideas? Would loose stretched chains cause this jerk? Thanks

 

[skidsteer.ca]

Neutral and steering linkages need adjusted. As for the jerk, look for any free play in the steering lever linkages. The chains won't cause a jerk, binding wheel bearing would, but if your noticing it when changing directions, likely free play in the controls allow the pump to do what it wants instead of what the operator is asking for. Is it mostly on one side?
Ken

 

[AaronS88]

Their are cam bushings internally in the pump that the swash plate rides on, it sounds like they are tore up and not letting the swash plate make a smooth transition. That will cause the drives to be very unpredictable and jerky. Combine that with loose steering pivot bushings and a neutralizer that came out of adjustment and the machines can become quite unruly. It also could be a problem with the hydraulic servo on the side of the drive pumps. If you can't get the creep out with linkage adjustments this may need to be adjusted. Check the motor mount under the seat as well, if the mount is blown out they will cause steering problems as well.

 

[mfyock]

Their are cam bushings internally in the pump that the swash plate rides on, it sounds like they are tore up and not letting the swash plate make a smooth transition. That will cause the drives to be very unpredictable and jerky. Combine that with loose steering pivot bushings and a neutralizer that came out of adjustment and the machines can become quite unruly. It also could be a problem with the hydraulic servo on the side of the drive pumps. If you can't get the creep out with linkage adjustments this may need to be adjusted. Check the motor mount under the seat as well, if the mount is blown out they will cause steering problems as well.

It seams to jerk on both sides. There is some play in the linkage so we will have to rebuild that. We checked the engine mounts, and they are fine. I assume rebuilding the bushings on the swash plates is a pretty expensive fix. I know rebuilt pumps go for a grand each, and that doesnt included the labor to pull the pumps. Can you pull those bushings with out pulling the whole pumps? Thanks

 

[AaronS88]

It seams to jerk on both sides. There is some play in the linkage so we will have to rebuild that. We checked the engine mounts, and they are fine. I assume rebuilding the bushings on the swash plates is a pretty expensive fix. I know rebuilt pumps go for a grand each, and that doesnt included the labor to pull the pumps. Can you pull those bushings with out pulling the whole pumps? Thanks

Bushings are around $70 apiece last I checked, but it would be around 8hrs labor to pull the pumps pop them apart, install the new bushings, and then put back into the machine. Since you are in there its a good idea to install pump seals, only a couple dollars apiece and you are already in that far anyway.

 

[mfyock]

Bushings are around $70 apiece last I checked, but it would be around 8hrs labor to pull the pumps pop them apart, install the new bushings, and then put back into the machine. Since you are in there its a good idea to install pump seals, only a couple dollars apiece and you are already in that far anyway.

Thanks for all the help. We also figured out that the pump shaft seal is bad so its dumping fluid into the gearbox. I see NH wants $250 for a seal kit. Do you need to buy that kit just to replace the swash plate bushing and the shaft seal? Looks like I could have $600 just in parts for these two pumps real quick...

 

[AaronS88]

Thanks for all the help. We also figured out that the pump shaft seal is bad so its dumping fluid into the gearbox. I see NH wants $250 for a seal kit. Do you need to buy that kit just to replace the swash plate bushing and the shaft seal? Looks like I could have $600 just in parts for these two pumps real quick...

You should only have to replace the cam bushings, and the shaft seals. and I would replace the O-ring where the pumps mount to the bell-housing. Other than that you shouldn't need any more parts. Maybe a gasket or two for the pumps.

 

[mfyock]

You should only have to replace the cam bushings, and the shaft seals. and I would replace the O-ring where the pumps mount to the bell-housing. Other than that you shouldn't need any more parts. Maybe a gasket or two for the pumps.

Aaron, I just saw in one of your old posts you are from PA. Can you drop me an email with your contact info. I am down in Lancaster County, but you never know when I might need a shop up in the northern part of the state to fix something for me instead of hauling it down here. Thanks Mike mdfyockATyahoo.com

 

[Earthwerks Unlimited]

Aaron, I just saw in one of your old posts you are from PA. Can you drop me an email with your contact info. I am down in Lancaster County, but you never know when I might need a shop up in the northern part of the state to fix something for me instead of hauling it down here. Thanks Mike mdfyockATyahoo.com

My 2003 LS180 was bought back by NH in 2005 for having hydro pump gears that were too loud. On that model the pumps sit next to each other and driven off the flywheel. They were generous toward a new LS185.b which is a totally different pump drive system. My 180 was so bad it sounded like it was going to explode. I was getting ear infections all the time from the noise and vibration. It registered 110 dB inside the cab--a jet engine is 120-140 dB.