4300 power steering hose removal?

defed · Oct 13, 2010

it seems i blew one of the steering hoses that go to the cylinder. disconnecting the cylinder end, simple....but how do you get at the end up above the front axle? it seems impossible...there must be a trick. i can BARELY get the wrenches on the fittings, but then i don't have room to turn them.

i tried to get the protective sleeve off, but it won't go past the 90 on the cylinder end, so i shimmied it down as far as i can and i think the hose is cracked/pinched. the sleeve is soaked in oil, and it leaks from the sleeve when i move the wheel (no leak until i do steer), so i'm almost 100% sure that is my problem....now i just need to figure out how to remove it!

any tips would be appreciated, thanks!
Dave

-- should have mentioned it is a syncro-reverser.

kennyd · Oct 13, 2010

I can only offer drawings from JDParts which I am sure will not help...Have you tried Crow-Foot wrenches?

defed · Oct 13, 2010

i thought about trying a crows foot, but didn't yet. i loosened all of the clamps that hold the steel lines in place and i was able to reposition the hose slightly so i could get the wrenches on better, but from opposite sides of the tractor! with another person to help, i MIGHT be able to get it, but still not too much room to turn.

jdparts says the left and right hose are the same part...i haven't yet looked closely enough to be sure, but one sure seems longer than the other to me.

Brimstone10x · Oct 14, 2010

Drop the front axle asembly???? x8 18mm bolts and mfwd drive shaft.

defed · Oct 14, 2010

that's looking like it may be the only way to get in there....seems pretty extreme to change a hose tho!

Brimstone10x · Oct 14, 2010

thats a compact tractor for ya

arrabil · Oct 14, 2010

I would try removing the rear six bolts (and the rear of the driveshaft) and pivoting the axle down and seeing if that is enough clearance to do your work.

You should check your pivot seals either way.

defed · Oct 16, 2010

ended up dropping the axle. i'm sure it came apart alot easier than it will go together.

defed · Oct 23, 2010

the steering gets its oil from the rear end, correct? almost certain, and thought i read it in one of the manuals (can't find it now), but just want to make sure!

all back together, just need to test it out.

thanks.