Resealing steering ram, BX 2360

[Jedgar]

1. K2511-16600 is NOT the proper seal kit for some steering rams on the BX 2360. Make sure you know which ram (p/n) you have before buying seals. I bought the K2511-16600, for $60 from Messicks, and was only able to use 2 of the wiper seals (the red ones). My ram is the newer one, which has the piston integral to the shaft, with no o-rings/seals replaceable on the shaft/piston. The proper seal kit for my ram is shown as costing $147 !!! The wiper seals inside the end caps were what was leaking on my ram - not sure if there is a universal seal the will fit/work, but it would sure be worth researching, as $147 for a couple of wiper seals, 2 o-rings (which are standard size #44 and can be purchased at ACE hardware for $.79/), and a couple of clips - is OUTRAGEOUS in my opinion. I do not believe Kubota, or anyone else, sells seals / o-rings separately for the ram, at least I was not able to find any with online research. Evidently, Kubota would rather you scrap your old ram and purchase a new one for $277.

2. Not that difficult to remove ram, or take ram apart, if you have a vice, wrenches and picks. not difficult to replace seals (a wiper seal and o-ring on each end cap).

3. When I reinstalled the cylinder, I added blue silicone boots over the ram shaft each side of the cylinder to prevent contamination and prolong the life of the wiper seals. The boots were a universal type, purchased on Amazon for $20. I did have to weld collars, fabricated from plumbers strap, to the end brackets that hold the cylinder in place.

I look into the universal wiper seal when I get a chance to go by Hydraulics shop, and will post if I find anything.

If anybody needs the rest of the K2511-16600 kit, I'll send it to you for postage cost, as I have no need for it.

Jim Edgar

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

The wiper seal is NOT what seals the rod and cylinder it's the gland packing seal that does that.
Not putting ALL the seals in it is just wasting time and $.
And adding a boot to it is worthless, that is the job of the wiper seal.

 

[GeoHorn]

When the steering ram on my M4700 leaked…I ran into a similar problem… Kubota had a “new” and an “old” style ram…. MY tractor had the “old” style…so the dealer ordered the seal kit for it….. but when they took my old-style ram apart…it had been modified by the previous owner mixing up parts between the two types. (and “buggering up” one end so that end had been modified with the new-style part. To repair that cyl would require TWO different seal kits.)

The only thing good about my situation was that I’d allowed the dealer to do all the work instead of me trying reseal it…. because I would have spent more than it was worth to try to repair this bastardized steering cylinder…. While the dealer was willing to retain the two seal kits necessary to save the bastardized cylinder ($$$)….. and simply install a new style cylinder entirely.

It’s not something I blame Kubota for (changing to a different style cylinder).…. sometimes a part used over an entire series of different models is actually subcontracted….and that sub might be the reason for the change. I’m just glad Kubota still supports my 28 year old tractor with new parts.

 

[Jedgar]

Well Wolfman,

You may be right about the purpose of the packing gland seal, but evidently my leak was caused by a bad end cap o-ring or wiper seal as replacing those fixed/stopped my leak. The "seals" I think you're talking about, looked and felt like teflon (hard) rings - I could see no scratches or grooves in them and could see not way to remove them without destroying them, so left them be.

I still do, and will contend to any that ask, that $147 for a seal kit for these cylinders is OUTRAGEOUS.

And, I beg to differ with you on value of the boots, as many types of cylinders (shocks, and auto steering racks, for example) use them and they are effective at keeping crap off the shafts, that can then be be dragged into the cylinder and compromise the seals. Call it "belt and suspenders" if you want, that's ok with me. Besides they look good on my tractor.

 

[GeoHorn]

Well Wolfman,

You may be right about the purpose of the packing gland seal, but evidently my leak was caused by a bad end cap o-ring or wiper seal as replacing those fixed/stopped my leak. The "seals" I think you're talking about, looked and felt like teflon (hard) rings - I could see no scratches or grooves in them and could see not way to remove them without destroying them, so left them be.

I still do, and will contend to any that ask, that $147 for a seal kit for these cylinders is OUTRAGEOUS.

And, I beg to differ with you on value of the boots, as many types of cylinders (shocks, and auto steering racks, for example) use them and they are effective at keeping crap off the shafts, that can then be be dragged into the cylinder and compromise the seals. Call it "belt and suspenders" if you want, that's ok with me. Besides they look good on my tractor.

How about posting a picture?

 

[Jedgar]

A few pictures attached. I call her my "little Gator" (I'm a '74 U of F grad). Use her for mostly dirt work & hauling, some mowing. Other mods are: some blue paint, hood ornament, expanded aluminum engine cowl (to replace crappy broken stock plastic), grill guard, "custom" emergency engine kill (string connected to shut off solenoid, routed out thru cowl side), cheap rear flush LED lights (to replace stock which got hung up and broken on everything), cheap seat cover. I use her for work, not show.