SAME Argon 50 steering ram leak: Repair at home or not?

[tzeggy14]

Hi guys,

My 1999 model SAME Argon 50 has a leaking steering ram (cylinder).
It's a small dribble under pressure, no leak at all when the steering is not being used.

I am fairly well setup (home) workshop wise and I'm reasonably handy with the tools, but I'm no mechanic!
I have disassembled/repaired motorbike forks and rear shocks before, but never tractor rams.

Is repair of the ram, ie. disassembly, replacing the seals etc, the sort of thing that can be done at home?
Or should I take it to a specialist hydraulic company to have the work done?

Thanks in advance,
Greg

 

[Chris from Ontario]

If you can find a schematic of the cylinder online I would think you could do it yourself. Not sure about getting the seals you'd need though.
What's the worst that could happen? You might have to reassemble it and take it to a shop.

 

[tzeggy14]

Thanks Chris.

Yeah, the more I think about it the easier it seems.
I have downloaded the schematic and workshop manual and located a seal kit, so once I order the kit and it arrives I'll attack the ram.

 

[Chris from Ontario]

Keep us updated on this thread. I'd like to know how it goes.

 

[tzeggy14]

Will do Chris.

I've ordered the seal kit, expect to receive it next week.
SAME part number 0.289.6356.1
Cost $AUD78.11, which I thought was a reasonable price.

 

[tzeggy14]

You don't get much for your $78!

 

[Sawyer Rob]

I'm just wondering if it isn't leaking where the line attaches to the cylinder, instead of, out of the seals on the cylinder.

SR

 

[tzeggy14]

I'm just wondering if it isn't leaking where the line attaches to the cylinder, instead of, out of the seals on the cylinder.

SR

No, it's definitely out of the seals.
It's leaking where the shaft disappears into the cylinder.
The hydraulic line connection points are clean.

 

[tzeggy14]

I pulled the ram out of the tractor yesterday and spent this afternoon dis-assembling it and replacing seals and o-rings from the kit.

 

[tzeggy14]

The centre seal was completely shot. No wonder it was leaking so badly!