706 Steering Wheel Won't Move

When I parked my 706 the steering was working fine. There was no indication anything was wrong. I started it up 20 minutes later and the steering wheel won"t budge. There is about a 1/4" of slop in it, and then there is no give. I could really use some answers on this since I need to get some things done before the snow flies!

other hydraulics working? if not it might be the mcv went out. something similar happened to our 706 2 years ago, lost hydraulics and steering. if so try to find a remanufactured one when replacing, new they are 350ish i think we got ours for 200. hope this helps

Well first ya have to figure out WHY , So lets start with does the rest of the hyd. system work??? Will the three point or fast hitch rise and lower ?? IF not then you have a major problem as the input shaft for the PTO just went south and to repair you will need to split the tractor at the bellhousing and replace the input shaft bearing and seals and a new clutch . IF the rear hitch still works then your problem is in the MCV area (1) you lost prime due to a plugged filter or sucking air or your low on Hdy fluid (2) Does your oil lite work ??? , is it blinking at you ??? IF it is not working when you turn the key on then fix it ( bad bulb ?? ) Could be that the flow divider has stuck or the pressure reg. valve ?? Do you have a BOOK ?? if not get one and read. Things to do now is check fluid level , change hyd. filter and gskt. top off hyd. oil , Next run tractor at 1800-2000 RPM and turn steering wheel to left to see if it will pick up prime IF the rear hitch is working . Also you can remove the plug on the back side of the MCV that takes a 9/16ths wrench and start the tractor at ideal and be ready to shut if off FAST because if it is air locked once she picks up prime it will shoot a LOT of oil out real fast . then replace the plug and you should be good to go .

Unusual for this type of steering motor to not turn at all ...below freezing where you are? otherwise loose the lines on top of the steering valve(behind left battery) and this will release oil in the steering motor, it should turn now ..yes or no?

Info:
Steering is actually done by the steering valve, what the steering wheel is connected to is a type of motor used to activate the steering valve

Thanks for all your advice. The other hydraulics were fine which was why I was confused. Usually the steering wheel has "soft play" in it even when the tractors not on, and in this case it wasn't budging at all, the way some cars steering wheels sometimes lock up and you have to play around with them until they are free. Anyway... I took off the console cover to see if I could see what was going on, played with the wheel, started it up again, played with the wheel again, and suddenly it came free. I don't have a clue what happened, but it works! Thanks again for your suggestions. I will have to keep this forum bookmarked since there is always something to tinker with on the ole girl.

You didnt answer if it was below freezing? water in the oil will cause your symptoms. Also if above freezing likely a chunk of metal

@Hydrotek No, it is still barely above freezing here in the cold white north.