L5030 GST Steering Problem

[BenH]

This sure gets confusing. David, I see your point about fluid being pumped to the left side of the cylinder to force wheels to be turned to the right. I have no idea how the fluid direction works, but if the pressure for a right turn comes from the left side of the cylinder, then fluid would come from the left side hose when disconnected and wheels turned to the right. Would I then need to disconnect the right side hose and turn wheels to the right to see if fluid is bypassing the cylinder seal, or would fluid normally come from the cylinder in this configuration?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[BenH]

I just went out and tried disconnecting the hose on the right side of the cylinder and with wheels turned all the way to the right to begin with, I turned the steering wheel to the right some more and fluid pumped out of the cylinder fitting. No fluid came out of the right side hose. I don't know if this says anything about where the problem lies or not. Could this mean that fluid is getting by the cylinder seal and is continuing to pump from left to right flowing through the seal?

Thanks,
Ben

 

[David_Kb7uns]

I just went out and tried disconnecting the hose on the right side of the cylinder and with wheels turned all the way to the right to begin with, I turned the steering wheel to the right some more and fluid pumped out of the cylinder fitting. No fluid came out of the right side hose. I don't know if this says anything about where the problem lies or not. Could this mean that fluid is getting by the cylinder seal and is continuing to pump from left to right flowing through the seal?

Thanks,
Ben

If you are pumping fluid into the left cylinder port and it comes out the right port then I would say that there is something wrong with the internal seal. It would be enough for me to take it off and take it to a shop to be checked or to get a rebuild kit.

David Kb7uns

 

[ibnxe]

Okay, I tried turning wheels all the way to the right, disconnecting the hose from the left side of the cylinder and continued turning steering wheel to the right. Fluid came out of the left side hose, but not the cylinder fitting. What does this indicate? To be clear, there was so much fluid coming out of the hose that I could not be sure none at all was coming out of the cylinder fitting. I don't think there was, but I didn't have someone with me to observe the fitting up close. Should the fluid be coming out of the hose at all?

Thanks,
Ben

After thinking about the test you performed, are you sure you removed the correct hose? On my tractor, the steering cylinder is in front of the axle, which means that the rod in the cylinder travels right to turn right. To move the cylinder right, flow comes into the cylinder from the left hose. I think you want to remove the right hose on right turn... bypass fluid would come out of the cylinder's right port.

 

[Tx Jim]

Is steering cylinder in frt or behind ft axle. I was thinking about my M7040 which is behind frt axle. If steering cylinder is in frt of axle my statement is INCORRECT and thanks for correcting me.

 

[BenH]

The cylinder on my L5030 is in front of the axle housing. This being the case, the test I did by removing the right side hose and turning right and having fluid come out of the right side cylinder fitting would indicate that the cylinder is the problem. Correct?

Thank you all!
Ben

 

[Tx Jim]

YES that's correct.

 

[BenH]

I have the service manual ordered for the tractor. I will order the seal kit and start pulling the cylinder. It will be good to get the steering working right again.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

The bad part about the service manual is it really does not address the problem of a internal cylinder leak, it has all other diagnosing information for the steering system.

Having the manual for a GST is good though as not everybody understands how they work.

David Kb7uns

 

[BenH]

The bad part about the service manual is it really does not address the problem of a internal cylinder leak, it has all other diagnosing information for the steering system.

Having the manual for a GST is good though as not everybody understands how they work.

David Kb7uns

I have seen a PDF of the manual and it is completely lacking in information about diagnosing steering cylinder problems. The manual does have some good diagrams of the systems and components of the tractor and will be very useful when disassembling parts and getting them put back together correctly.

Ben

 

[BenH]

It has taken a while but I now have the steering cylinder on the workbench and the center seal is definitely blown. It was missing about a 3/8" piece. I have a seal kit for the cylinder but am not sure how to go about installing the center hard seal. It is solid, not split, and has to slide over a piece of steel quite a bit larger than the seal. I don't want to ruin the new seal attempting to force it. Any ideas on how to get the seal in place? The attached picture shows the old seal and the new one.

Thanks,
Ben

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Here is a video on Youtube showing the heating and stretching process.

SEAL CLASPER SEAL STRETCHER - YouTube

David Kb7uns

 

[BenH]

I was afraid it might take something like the method used on the video. It would probably cost almost as much as a new cylinder to buy the spreader and clasper to do this job, so I will probably take the cylinder to a hydraulic shop an have the center seal installed. No clue what they will charge but it has to be done.

Here is a video on Youtube showing the heating and stretching process.

SEAL CLASPER SEAL STRETCHER - YouTube

David Kb7uns

 

[moship]

This manual shows an installation concept starting on approximately page 10. I've used the concept of the described method on automatic transmission seals (PTFE) and in some power steering seals. http://www.tss.trelleborg.com/remotemedia/media/globalformastercontent/downloadsautomaticlycreatedbyscript/catalogs/piston_gb_en.pdf

Without the proper installation aids or the ability to make something, I'd ask a local repair shop for help with the installation.

 

[brain55]

I have put more of this style seal on than I can count. I've never used any special tool. I've always just stretched them on by hand. You do have to wait a few minutes for them to shrink back before installing back in the tube.

Brian

 

[David_Kb7uns]

If it was me I would try it by hand but would probably preheat some to make it more pliable.

David Kb7uns

 

[brain55]

If it was me I would try it by hand but would probably preheat some to make it more pliable.

David Kb7uns

I've tried putting them in hot water to warm them up with little effect.

Brian

 

[David_Kb7uns]

Well the one video said 130C which is over 260F so hot water will not do it.


David Kb7uns

 

[brain55]

Well the one video said 130C which is over 260F so hot water will not do it.

David Kb7uns

So how are you supposed to handle the seal once it is that hot? You can't put that seal on with thick gloves on your hands. Besides I've never found it necessary. Just be patient and work it on at room temp.

Brian

 

[BenH]

I took the disassembled cylinder, along with the new seal kit to a hydraulic shop this morning. The cylinder housing had a tiny burr inside about the middle of the cylinder which abraded the seal and caused it to fail. The shop is going to lightly hone the housing and install all the seals for $40. I was pleasantly shocked at the price and couldn't agree fast enough. It will be ready to pick up late today or first thing tomorrow morning.

I discussed the procedure for installing the center seal while there and what the shop does is to stretch the seal cold, put it in place and use a tool to re compress it.

Ben