Steering cylindar leaking oil

bnold · Jul 15, 2023

ponytug said:
You are welcome!

If you like those sorts of things, check out Cutting Edge Engineering over on YouTube, if you want to see how the big ones are remanufactured. He is a master machinist and welder, and seems to have years and years of experience operating and repairing large hydraulic equipment.

All the best,

Peter

Addicted to that channel

SpringHollow · Jul 15, 2023

That rod could easily be original. Easy enough to compare to the other side. Power Trac's cylinders are hand made.

Ken

PowerTracManiac · Jul 15, 2023

This is an original PT cylindar. They are the same on both sides. They sit low on the PT frame and I was actually surprised it wasn't more damaged.
I was also surprised to see that the holes on my frame that this cylindar attaches to were not egged out. I am trying to consistently lube things so that must be working.
I plan on sending the cylindar to PT because they make there own cylindars and I want them to see exactly what I have and either fix this one or send me a new one that is exactly the same.

2manyrocks · Jul 15, 2023

I guess the other one isn't leaking, but wonder if it would make sense to have it rebuilt as well while the machine is out of service to fix the leaker.

woodlandfarms · Jul 15, 2023

Just fyi for you who choose to rebuild your own cylinders. It is much easier to loosen the cap on the tractor than off.

agjones · Jul 16, 2023

2manyrocks said:
I guess the other one isn't leaking, but wonder if it would make sense to have it rebuilt as well while the machine is out of service to fix the leaker.

If this one had a nick to the rod, and the other doesn't, I wouldn't mess with it.

If it was just leaking due to age worn seals... Probably do both...

It's one of those things where you're gonna be wrong either way lol.

2manyrocks · Jul 16, 2023

Might also be a good time to replace any iffy hoses.

PowerTracManiac · Jul 26, 2023

I am happy to report a WIN!
I sent the steering cylindar back to PT. A week later it is back and installed.
I just put the cylindar back on and then the hoses back on.
Slowly brought the tractor up to speed.
No priming of cylindar was required.
Slowly started turning the tractor little by little and the fluid returned back into the steering cylindar and somehow self bled. Seems to be running fine again and no leak!
.
Highly recommend the metal caps referenced earlier in this thread for sealing up the fittings on the loose hoses and the cylindar itself during shipping. I don't have a garage for the tractor yet and it was very nice to have all the mating surfaces stay clean for the reassembly process.