ole-red 0 #1 Posted January 31, 2020 I have bought a new to me 2003 toro 522xi 674 hours 44" deck gave $300 for it. Runs and drives great. I had never heard of the 5xi series prior to finding this one and I love it. I have been going thru all the maintenance on this machine as I don't know when the last time it was done. The power steering is kind of loud. Not really loud but while cutting at WOT you can barely still hear it. I have cleaned the power steering screen and it had some debris in it but not a lot. Also my transaxle fluid has been changed and is full. It sounds just the same after cleaning the screen. Do I have a problem or are they innately loud? Sounds like a bad power steering pump on a car or truck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
shallowwatersailor 3,214 #2 Posted January 31, 2020 Re-check your transaxle fluid level. Sometimes with a change it will show full, but after running for a while is actually a bit low. Also it should have the Toro HYDRAULIC filter or a NAPA 1410. Not an engine oil filter. The hydraulic "sound" shouldn't be louder than the engine running at full throttle and should vary by input. The sound should not be constant. It is important to run the engine at full throttle all the time to provide proper engine cooling and that the fan on the driveshaft cools the transmission. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,524 #3 Posted January 31, 2020 The transmission is vented through the handle on the dipstick. Make sure it is free. Very early models had paint plugging the vent. Microscopic air bubbles in the oil will make hydraulics noisy. Takes a while for them to dissipate which happens when they are not operated and may take a few use and rest cycles for it all to come out. Top-ups may be necessary. Just making sure you have the manuals. Click on the pictures Garry Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
