Oil & Fuel L2650DT steering seal leak

[SouthernSky]

The WSM said I would need a special tool to change the leaking seals. This tool is unavailable so I thought I’d take it to my local hydraulics shop where they’ve done some work for me in the past.

I’ll try banging a little harder on the flange.

 

[SouthernSky]

I thought it was one piece but apparently it did separate when I whacked it a bit harder with a mallet.

Thanks. I may be back shortly with more on this …

 

[SouthernSky]

Does anyone know if these are all righty-tighty, lefty-loosey where the steering cylinder meets the rubber grease boot? I’m having a heck of a time trying to separate and was wondering if the right side is reverse thread. Can’t tell from the WSM pics.

 

[K5lwq]

Normally one is left hand threads.

 

[SouthernSky]

That’s what I was afraid of. I just don’t know which.

 

[K5lwq]

I would suspect the right side is left hand threads. I call right side as your right when sitting in the seat. But not confident of that as it has been a while since I’ve done one.

 

[Alan W.]

The WSM said I would need a special tool to change the leaking seals. This tool is unavailable so I thought I’d take it to my local hydraulics shop where they’ve done some work for me in the past.

I’ll try banging a little harder on the flange.

Those tools are just guides and a compressor for the seals so they dont get cut on the install.
I have used small engine piston ring compressors to aid in seal installation.
Wide zip ties will work in a pinch.

 

[SouthernSky]

I’ve spent the last hour on this and it’s driving me crazy. I can’t get either of the sides of the steering cylinder to come free from where the rubber boot end meets the silver cylinder.

I’ve tried putting two large wrenches on the notches and moving opposite directions. I’ve tried whacking one wrench with a mallet. I let it soak overnight with PBBlaster last night. I’ve tried as if left hand or right hand thread as the manual didn’t specify except at the tie rod nut.

I sure could use some more suggestions. Anyone done this before? The only way I can get the flanges off to change the leaky seal is to get at least one side separated so I can slide the cylinder out the opposite side.

 

[K5lwq]

I’ve spent the last hour on this and it’s driving me crazy. I can’t get either of the sides of the steering cylinder to come free from where the rubber boot end meets the silver cylinder.

I’ve tried putting two large wrenches on the notches and moving opposite directions. I’ve tried whacking one wrench with a mallet. I let it soak overnight with PBBlaster last night. I’ve tried as if left hand or right hand thread as the manual didn’t specify except at the tie rod nut.

I sure could use some more suggestions. Anyone done this before? The only way I can get the flanges off to change the leaky seal is to get at least one side separated so I can slide the cylinder out the opposite side.


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What type wrenches are you using?

Maybe rest a heavy made wrench on the cylinder rod side against the axle. Then use a 24” or bigger adjustable wrench on the tie rod. Then a heavy gauge pipe about 4’ long or more over the adjustable wrench handle. It should move. Once it breaks free it turns very easily.

 

[SouthernSky]

That’s actually what I’m doing and adding some leverage as well. Are they both normal threads or is one actually left hand?