D6D 04X Right Steering lever sticking

I’ve got a D6D 04X machine that has a right steering lever issue. When I pull the right lever it stays in the pulled position (steering right) and I have to push it forward to the neutral position, as you operators know the lever normally goes to neutral with ease. I have checked the linkage and all seems ok. It was like this when I bought it.
1. Any ideas on the cause?
2. I’m fine with this as long as it is not damaging anything as I use this machine on my farm. Am I damaging anything?
Thanks for all you thoughts and advice.

By the way as some of you know I previously owned a nice D6C last year and sold it only to buy a D6D, I am really happy with the D6D I purchased in September, it doesn’t sound like much but having the blade control on 1 lever makes a big difference to me along with the gear shift lever not pinching my hand either.
Thanks

First place I would look at is the needle bearings on the steering levers under the dash cover.They get dry and full of dirt.
Lube them up good and see if that helps.Most likely need replacing.
The pictures are of a D7E but pretty much the same

Thanks Gary. I’ve got the same issue with my 98J D5. Dry and stiff from years of non-use. A pain to push back manually. I think a good lube job is all she needs. JM

Hi Kwright, many people overlook the access panel below the steering clutch levers so the linkages get run dry. When the dry linkages start to make the levers stick the bearings and bushings usually need to be replaced.
Craig

My D4Es have the same problem from time to time. Like Gary said lube it good. On the D4Es dirt gets on top the steering clutch cover which also will not steering levers retract as well.

Check down on the steering clutch cover where the arm moves back and forth sometimes that area fills up with dirt and sticks and will bind things up. Use compressed air and blow the top of the case and area off.