B1640A Front Loader Hydraulic Re-Seal

[rlt46]

I thought I had joined the site some time ago, but memory fails an OLD GUY AGAIN. Brief introduction: I'm retired, a VN Vet (100%), I live in Prescott, AZ, hot rodder, and just use my tractor on 2 acres hauling gravel, rock, firewood, etc. After owning a China tractor, I bought my Kubota 10+ years ago, and I love it. Perfect size, and perfect capacity.

I've been experiencing lift droop, and bucket droop, and I decided to take on the task of replacing the seals in the four hydraulic ram/cylinders. Not much info available for my old B1640A FEL, and I can't find and YouTube videos or instructions. My thanks to AVPOWERSTN for your write-ups and many photos back in 2012. Unfortunately, my bucket cylinders are a bit different, in that the piston/rod ends do not screw on & off, like all of the YouTube's I've looked at. Mine are held into the barrel, first by what Kubota refers to as a "Retaining Wire", p/n 70050-93642. It looks a bit like a small, square allen wrench. Then, there is "Back-up Ring, and an O-Ring same part #. All are part of Seal Kit, p/n 70050-93643.

I finally figured out how to disassemble the cylinder. My question is, what is the proper way to replace the Retaining Wire? It wraps around what, I think is called the Head Gland. The replacement Retaining Wire comes new as a straight (square) wire, with a very small 90 degree bend on the end.

Can anyone please tell me how to properly install this "Wire"?

I appreciate anyone's help, in advance. Thanks

 

[MOOTS]

It should be tapped/spun into the hole where other was removed from. I believe the “hook” goes in last, to give something to grab on to for removal later.

 

[rlt46]

Thanks Matt. I, in my ignorance was thinking I should place the hook end in first, and roll it around, into place. I'm sure glad I joined today, and asked for advice.

Thanks again

 

[D2Cat]

The hook is the "grab point" for leverage. Just roll the square stock in, or use the old one! That's one part that doesn't wear out.

 

[Pau7220]

Thanks Matt. I, in my ignorance was thinking I should place the hook end in first, and roll it around, into place. I'm sure glad I joined today, and asked for advice.

Thanks again

Rlt46 You are correct .... hook goes into the small hole in the gland FIRST on reassembly. Then when you turn the gland in the opposite direction of disassembly, it will pull the "wire" in and lock the gland in place. If there's a hook on each end, it's to keep you from turning it in too far.

 

[rlt46]

Pau7220,

Great video. Thanks. It's helpful. Did you mention making a video of the balance of the job? I got a kick outta trying to pull that cylinder rod out. Mine had a plastic retainer ring, and a round rubber seal in a second groove. Not difficult to remove, just pryed them up and cut. But it's gonna be a b___h gettin' the new ones back in there without damaging them. A little grease, and whole lotta care.
Thanks again

 

[Pau7220]

Did you mention making a video of the balance of the job?

Not my video....... I just searched "wire lock hydraulic gland" in youtube. That cyl in the video is just like my lift cyl at work. When I rebuilt it 20+ years ago, I had to call the hyd shop for disassembly instructions.
As I stated in previous posts, I normally unbolt the piston, remove the gland, then take them into my hydraulic shop and have them install the seals. Most economical way to do it. And the internal seal in the gland can be a beyotch without the tool to roll it in.

 

[rlt46]

Not my video....... I just searched "wire lock hydraulic gland" in youtube. That cyl in the video is just like my lift cyl at work. When I rebuilt it 20+ years ago, I had to call the hyd shop for disassembly instructions.
As I stated in previous posts, I normally unbolt the piston, remove the gland, then take them into my hydraulic shop and have them install the seals. Most economical way to do it. And the internal seal in the gland can be a beyotch without the tool to roll it in.

 

[rlt46]

Pau7220 , OK, copy that. I worked on it today. I'm as slow as molasses at the North Pole when I'm doing something I've never done before. Once a perfectionist, always a perfectionist!
I got all the seals on today. The nut for the end of the cylinder rod, included in the OEM seal kit is not a lock nut, so I've read that Locktite is an OK alternative. I'll assemble it all back together, and put that darned Retaining Wire on, install it back on the loader and try it out before taking the opposite side cylinder off.
Thanks to all of you for tutoring this old guy.

 

[rlt46]

Pau7220 , OK, copy that. I worked on it today. I'm as slow as molasses at the North Pole when I'm doing something I've never done before. Once a perfectionist, always a perfectionist!
I got all the seals on today. The nut for the end of the cylinder rod, included in the OEM seal kit is not a lock nut, so I've read that Locktite is an OK alternative. I'll assemble it all back together, and put that darned Retaining Wire on, install it back on the loader and try it out before taking the opposite side cylinder off.
Thanks to all of you for tutoring this old guy.