Hello, We have a Case W18 loader from late 70's early 80's. Machine was a county machine and we have owned it a while. Only has about 1700 hours but the years are making for repairs here and there. Of late we are having steering issues. The more we use the machine, the less the steering seems to want to work. Any known issues with there loaders besides pump or something like that?
Start with the cylinders, they're the cheapest and easiest thing to check or repack. Way I would go.
I would also check the steering pressure if you have a gauge, the pump pressure tube line on the steering pump should have a port, the pressure should be 2000 psi +/- 100 at 2200 rpm. It is non adjustable. If you follow the pressure hose off the pump tube, it leads to the diverter valve. That valve sends around 14 gallons of the 23 gallons max of the steering pump to the steering sector. It has a small strainer screen (inch long and the size of a pencil) and a spool/spring with a small hole drilled in it. The hole plugged/ screen clogged/ spool sticking/spring broken can cause poor steering also, steering sector can also have internal issues. With the age it may need a pump after some of the other things are ruled out. Pressure/ diverter valve/ cylinder seals/ steering sector. Packing can be checked also like said above to rule it down some more. More later if needed.