5400 john Deere steering cylinder leaks

[t4844rz]

I have a 5400 JD with front wheel assist. My steering cylinder is leaking from both sides, I purchased a seal kit and am about to tear it apart to rebuild it have questions where to begin disassembling the steering linkage. Is there a special tool used to loosen the cylinder rod from the self aligning nut?
Thanks

 

[Zebrafive]

First, before you take anything apart, turn you wheels all the way to the right. Loosen the 4 bolts that hold the cylinder to the front axle about 2 turns each. Then turn the wheels all the way to the left. This should break the cylinder loose from the front axle.

You need to use a wrench on the flats of the joint on each side. Hold one side and break the other side loose. May need a helper.
Then put a bolt with a nut on it into the side you took off. Hold the bolt and tighten the nut against the cylinder rod. Now hold the nut and break the other side loose. Time for the helper again. Then you can hold the bolt head and loosen the nut to remove the bolt.

 

[Eddie oneal]

How do you replace the seals on the right side does the round housing come off

 

[beenthere]

Welcome to TBN Eddie

2wd or mfwd? They have different cylinders. (edit: see mfwd so the schematic should be the right one)

https://partscatalog.deere.com/jdrc/sidebyside/equipment/68867/referrer/navigation/pgId/693862