Oil leaking on front axle?

[npaden]

Okay, I have a definite oil leak. I'm 99% sure it is hydraulic oil and pretty sure it is coming from the steering cylinder.

I took a couple pics:

There is a slight leak on the actual axle hub but the one in the middle of the axle is a drip, drip type leak. There is a hydraulic cylinder right above where the leak is the worst and I'm not sure if it is one of those fittings or the hydraulic cylinder itself. Everything works and operates fine and I don't hear any unusual noises but I really would like to figure out the leak and get it fixed.

Any idea how much something like this would cost to take it to the dealer to get it checked out. My steering is a little sloppy and I guess I could have them adjust that at the same time.

I've checked around for other leaks and the engine doesn't seem to leak anywhere and I'm pretty confident that it is hydraulic fluid that is leaking.

Any ideas or suggestions?

Thanks, Nathan

 

[KennyV]

Nathan…
I think I would power wash that whole area… that way you would be able to locate the source of the fluid… by the way you have a separate pump for the power steering. Also the fluid from the power steering is used to do the shuttle and GST shifts… if you are having any shifting issues you may need to check the oil pressures…
If you don’t have the WSM yet you need to watch for one, you will find it VERY helpful for things that might come up… KennyV.

 

[npaden]

Okay, I've figured out what's leaking. It's the steering cylinder as I suspected. When you turn to the right and the cylinder opens all the way nothing happens. Then when you turn to the left and the cylinder closes a nice shot of hydraulic fluid spurts out. It's item #10 in the attached parts diagram. A new cylinder from tractorsmart.com is $396.28.

Here's the exploded view component parts that include new gaskets, etc.

It seems to be leaking from the back part of the cylinder. Parts 110 through 140 cost a whopping $25 or so combined if that would be all that it took to stop the leak. The steering works fine, it is just leaking.

Is this a deal that I should just take in and see if they think the cylinder is repairable or something that I can tackle removing the cylinder and bringing it to the dealership to see what they think?

Thanks for any input.

 

[KennyV]

I think you will find it is harder to remove than it will be to rebuild… I’d order the parts and replace it myself… should not be a big problem. KennyV.

 

[npaden]

I called my local Kubota dealer and I guess this must not be something that can be explained very well over the phone.

They said worst case scenario was $900 in parts plus labor that would include basically removing the entire front of the tractor. The entire cylinder is only $396, how would it cost $900 in parts? To do the cylinder fix, do I need to remove the cylinder or can I just try to fix it with it still on the tractor? Looks like I might need a ring remover for sure. Do I need something to plug the hydraulic fluid when I pull the O-ring or will it just ooze out slowly and not be a problem. I don't think I can justify $1,000+ at the dealer to fix a leaky cylinder.

Is this something that I just didn't explain very well and it would be worth loading the tractor on the trailer and hauling it to the dealer to show them what I'm talking about?

Thanks in advance for any input.

Nathan

 

[bugstruck]

At $25.00 for parts, I'd have to do that one myself. If you keep this thread going, these guys can almost certainly get you through the repair. I haven't repaired any tractor cylinders, but I've done small boat outdrive cylinders. Admittedly easier. I thought they would be a big deal but it was simple. Purging them was the worst of that. Getting them off and back on will be the real work. You may need a tool or two you don't have but on one that small I'm guessing you can get it apart without too much grief.

 

[tractorbarry]

the best way to pin point a leak is to but dye in the system and use a UV light

 

[kubotasara]

hope you were able to figure this out! If you had to end up replacing anything axle-wise, I'd check out ACV.