advice on R + R of hydraulic steering cylinder on JD855

[855atty]

Hello everyone!
My 1995 855 has blown the seal around the ram and is spitting fluid. This is the first real problem i have had with this tractor. I had the steering locked when i went down a high curb. Won't ever do that again, but is 18 years good for a seal to last?

The remove and replace looks pretty straight forward. Are ther any hidden surprises to know about? The parts guy says none.
I plan on draining the fluid, unbolting the cylinder and hoses and changing the little o-rings and the bolting everything back up. The parts guy says the cylinder will purge itself by working the steering back and forth??

You guys have alot more experience and abilities than i have. Any suggestions or advice is appreciated.

 

[2458n]

Just performed the very same service for my Kubota L245. Very straight forward process. Took mine to a local rebuild shop. !5.00 in parts, 2 hours labor, and a week to write a estimate. Man I was not happy. After not receiving it after 2 weeks I said I would pick it up. Yes you can after paying 40 dollars. They had not even looked at it yet. Do it yourself.

 

[del10820]

When I do steering rams I like to raise the front end off the ground before starting the engine after the cylinder(s) are installed, seams to cut down on time to bleed air out of system. Dont hold it aginst the stops, gently one side to other side a few times, then let down and drive with caution a few turns , check for leaks and make sure all linkages are not binding and nuts tight and locks installed. On the cilinder rebuild dont get in a hurry and you will not have a problem.

 

[855atty]

Thank you for the responses!
I am going to do the switch myself, but i'm told the cylinder is not rebuildable because the "tie rod bolts" are part of the ram and body--welded on maybe? Soooooooooo, the new cylinder is over $300!! AND the local JD dealer has quit; the nearest is now 35 miles up the road. So instead of paying $90/hr labor, i'll just do it myself.

Anything else i should know?

 

[hosspuller]

I just looked at JD parts. Doesn't look rebuildable to me. I would take it off and ask a hydraulic shop to look at it. you may be stuck for a new cylinder. But after 18 years ... not so bad.


I was in similar situation with steer cylinder for my F-915