Trouble replacing Steering Cylinder - Jinma 284

[JD1549]

I am replacing the steering cylinder on my 284. Removed the old
cylinder and took off the jam nut and end piece, intending to move
them to the new cylinder. Then I tried to manually pull out the piston
to have room to install the new boot. But, I cannot budge the piston
by hand. The old one could be moved by hand...??....

Is this normal or maybe it's stuck from having been "on the shelf"
for who knows how long? It seems like I'm gonna have to connect
up the hoses and use the system to push the piston out.....?
Does that sound right?

Feeling especially dumb right now and hoping there is a better way!

cheers,
johnd

Oh yeah. It's a front mount cylinder with hoses over the axle.....

 

[RonMar]

Yep, the piston seals are probably stuck in the tube from sitting. Have you tried applying a little compressed air to the port? That may get it moving. Failing that, like you thought, hook up the hydraulic lines and apply some system pressure to it and it should start moving...

 

[JD1549]

Yep, the piston seals are probably stuck in the tube from sitting. Have you tried applying a little compressed air to the port? That may get it moving. Failing that, like you thought, hook up the hydraulic lines and apply some system pressure to it and it should start moving...

I thank you kindly. Yep the air worked [still couldn't move it by hand,
even after air....]. Never thought of the obvious. Guess that my wife
is right when she says that when I retired, I left my brain at the office!

Anyhow it's mounted now and I'll get the hoses attached and test
it on the morrow............

thanks again,
johnd