Tractor Repair: slippage in the power steering of my Case 1370 tractor, tie rod ends, hydraulic problem


Question
I have alot of play in the steering wheel all of a sudden, and am wondering what should be checking and how. Is there a way to "add" hydraulic fluid, because I can't seem to find a filler port, or is this going to require me to split the tractor?

Answer
  Not sure what type of steering problem you are having.  If there was a hydraulic problem, the power steering would be very weak or have no power at all and the wheel would be very hard to turn, but would not cause play in the steering.  Since the steering is completely hydrostatic, the only things that can cause play in the steering could be worn tie rod ends or axle pivot, steering arms loose on the spindles, or loose steering cylinder.  A bad steering control valve  could cause slow or erratic steering response, buy not play.  The oil filler and dipstick is on the back of the tractor by the pto.