Blown Steering Cylinder

[4tsparrow]

I’m new to owning a tractor. I was recently using the tractor and a brush hog to mow my pasture. I blew out the steering seal while making a sharp left turn going up a small hill. Is the cause of blown cylinder from my error, or is this a common problem? Is this a simple fix for an average do it yourselfer?

 

[Fedup]

The cause of the failure? Probably a little of both. The gland is held in place by a wire ring fitted into a groove in the cylinder barrel. There are two glands, one on each end. I've seen them forced out like that by shearing off part of that wire ring. Yours is certainly not the first one to do it.

"A simple fix for an average do it yourselfer"? Once the cylinder is out on the table, then yes, I'd say it is. First you need to remove the sheet metal, radiator, battery and battery tray, pitman arm, all the anchor parts and pivot pins. When the cylinder is repaired, then all that has to go back into place.

If you're up for all that, then again, I'd say yes. It's probably as dirty a project as it is difficult.

 

[woodman55]

Can this be done in place ? Considering what it takes to remove and reinstall the cyl, Doing it in place seems like it would be worth the extra discomfort. If doing it on a bench, I think I would replace the other retainer ring as well .

 

[GreensvilleJay]

probably not and it SHOULDN'T....
You NEED to clean the cylinder really,really good INSIDE and out...... Any and ALL 'dirt' is the enemy of hydraulics. 1st step, see online the diagram of the cylinder, to get parts, 2nd clean as much of the 'gunk' off before dismantling it. 3rd, see if a free WSM is available.
It's not that hard of a job

 

[Henro]

The cause of the failure? Probably a little of both. The gland is held in place by a wire ring fitted into a groove in the cylinder barrel...

It has been pointed out in other threads that the orientation of the snap ring is important. The snap ring has a rounded edge and a sharp edge.

Be sure to install the snap ring properly. Wish I could remember which way is correct. I believe installing the snap ring backwards increases the likelihood it will fail.

 

[4tsparrow]

Thanks y’all for the info. I’ve had it trailered to a Kubota service center. I wanted to make sure it was done right till I learn more. I’ll definitely be learning more and prolly taking it a lil slower.

 

[whitetiger]

It has been pointed out in other threads that the orientation of the snap ring is important. The snap ring has a rounded edge and a sharp edge.

Be sure to install the snap ring properly. Wish I could remember which way is correct. I believe installing the snap ring backwards increases the likelihood it will fail.

Here is a very good picture that shows the correct direction to install a snap ring.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/98/External_Snap_Ring_Orientation.jpg