Loader Leaking Hydraulic cylinder

[deminin]

In recent weeks, I've noticed a slight oil leak on the workshop floor coming from one of the hydraulic cylinders on my LA402 loader. It's not a big leak, and I'm hoping it is just seeping a bit around a seal due to this extended period of brutally cold weather. However, just in case I need to do something with this, has anyone ever rebuilt one of these cylinders...and if so, how big a job is it? A seal kit is only about $60, but a complete cylinder is almost $700...so I would definitely try to rebuild it before popping for $700. Also, is there a good hydraulic oil "Stop Leak" that anyone has used with success...I would probably try that first. I have SuperUDT in the system. All suggestions welcome.

 

[kuboman]

There is nothing that you would want to put in your system that will stop the leak. I would give it some time first as it might stop when it warms up but it is letting you know that it is failing. I have seen them last for years with just a slight ooze. Rebuilding is not a hard job just a little messy.

 

[DT86]

I've seen hydraulic stop leak products but have never actually used any. It's doubtful that you'll need a new cylinder, almost any can be rebuilt cheaper than a replacement.

Since it's not a bad leak I'd probably buy the kit and install it when there was plenty of time to mess with it or when the seal completely fails, which ever came first.

 

[JRobyn]

Rebuild is not too big of a deal - you should probably explore 3rd party seal kits vs Kubota OEM, because Kubota parts are known to be pricey. Home rebuild also takes some pretty hefty tools and fixtures to hold/disassemble, plus, reassembly without nicking the new seals can sometimes be tricky, so you may want to explore what a local hydraulic shop would charge to rebuild. My local shop did the rebuilds on mine with aftermarket parts and tested them for not a whole lot more than just the Kubota seal kits. Plus they're guaranteed for a year to not leak.

- Jay

 

[bigbull338]

take the cylinder off an take it in an have it rebuilt.its very simple fix to your prob.

 

[c127]

I don't ever recommend using any stop leak in any hydraulic system. The cylinder should be taken apart first to determine if its even rebuildable.

 

[wdchyd]

take the cylinder off an take it in an have it rebuilt.its very simple fix to your prob.

X2......

 

[deminin]

Yup, that's what I did. I ordered a seal kit from Messick's...as none of the local dealers had one in stock...and took the cylinder to the local dealer. They fixed it right, and it is now working great. It didn't take me long to realize that I needed some special tools, and could really screw this up trying to take the end cap off with a pipe wrench or vise grips, etc. Better to spend $130, than have to drop $700 for a new cylinder.

 

[RMatty]

I need to get my angle cylinder on my plow rebuilt...30 bucks for the kit maybe this spring ill get around to it.

 

[pipeorganbuilder]

Magisterhyd.com have their JD loader and bucket cylinders new with free shipping for less that $165 complete. Mine was for the bucket cylinder and it cost only $147 shipped and received in two days. Sometimes it is cheaper to replace than have someone rebuild it. Just my two cents. Lol

Yup, that's what I did. I ordered a seal kit from Messick's...as none of the local dealers had one in stock...and took the cylinder to the local dealer. They fixed it right, and it is now working great. It didn't take me long to realize that I needed some special tools, and could really screw this up trying to take the end cap off with a pipe wrench or vise grips, etc. Better to spend $130, than have to drop $700 for a new cylinder.