branson 4720H leaking steering any one every had that issue ? how to fix

[Aquamoose]

It was difficult to tell but I think it was leaking out of the body.

 

[ptsg]

It was difficult to tell but I think it was leaking out of the body.

That's usually what happens with those steering cylinders.

Since the barrel is kind of floating between the ends of the cylinder, it will move over time and eventually cause damage to the o-ring. Branson fixed it by adding the tie-rod that keeps everything tight.

If take the cylinder apart, you can fix it with a new o-ring and have a spare for something.

 

[Omega Woods]

Thanks for the write up @Aquamoose , I’m getting ready to do this repair myself. Mine’s has a small leak for years that suddenly got much bigger.

 

[Aquamoose]

Thanks for the write up @Aquamoose , I’m getting ready to do this repair myself. Mine’s has a small leak for years that suddenly got much bigger.

If you were local, I wouldn’t mind giving you a hand! As long as the tractor is adequately supported with HD jack stands and you use temporary longer bolts to only drop the axle a few inches, it should go smoothly.

 

[Omega Woods]

If you were local, I wouldn’t mind giving you a hand! As long as the tractor is adequately supported with HD jack stands and you use temporary longer bolts to only drop the axle a few inches, it should go smoothly.

You don't happen to know the size and length of the longer temp bolts, do you?

 

[Aquamoose]

You don't happen to know the size and length of the longer temp bolts, do you?

I think 3/4”. I simply removed one and went to the hardware store to pick two that were at least 6” longer than the original.

 

[Omega Woods]

Well, I finished replacing my leaking steering assembly over the last couple of days, using @Aquamoose as my guide. I did not disconnect the front axle drive shaft at all, although I did slide the shaft cover back and expose the roll pin just in case. The tip about using long bolts to keep the front axle aligned throughout the process worked like a champ. I stupidly didn't recognize that the joint between the tie rod and the steering cylinder is reverse threaded on one end which made for an interesting two-hour swearfest before my youngest son pointed out the obvious (I'm fascinated how human habits become so deeply ingrained in us.)

The long bolts that hold the axle on are M16, which you probably won't find at Lowes or Home Depot unless yours is stocked better than mine. I used these:

Amazon.com

 

[Branson Bob]

Well, I finished replacing my leaking steering assembly over the last couple of days, using @Aquamoose as my guide. I did not disconnect the front axle drive shaft at all, although I did slide the shaft cover back and expose the roll pin just in case. The tip about using long bolts to keep the front axle aligned throughout the process worked like a champ. I stupidly didn't recognize that the joint between the tie rod and the steering cylinder is reverse threaded on one end which made for an interesting two-hour swearfest before my youngest son pointed out the obvious (I'm fascinated how human habits become so deeply ingrained in us.)

The long bolts that hold the axle on are M16, which you probably won't find at Lowes or Home Depot unless yours is stocked better than mine. I used these:

Amazon.com

Hi Omega. I have the new steering cylinder in hand and was going to do the replacement this weekend per "the Aquamoose method." I'll be sure to remember about the reverse threading!

The Amazon link you provided for the M16 bolts took me to a listing for hook bolts... you didn't use hook bolts did you? I suppose they would work if they were long enough. Aquamoose said they should be 6" longer than the original. I live 3 hours from where the tractor is so I'm gonna order them without measuring. Do you recall how long the bolts you used were?

Also is it absolutely necessary to remove the front end loader? I have never done that and though I'm thinking it might be easier than I fear, I was thinking of supporting it wth beefy saw horses rather than removing it altogether.

Thanks to you and all the guys!

 

[Omega Woods]

Sorry, I'm just now seeing this. Yes, remove the FEL. It's quite easy to do. Trust me, it'll make things go so much more smoothly. I watched a bunch of YT videos about how to do it. You'll be pleasantly surprised once you do it.

And, yes, I used the hook bolts. They worked for me. I intended to repurpose them for my wife to hang something on.

As usual, I didn't take pictures and my memory is pretty terrible. I do apologize but @Aquamoose did an excellent job with his writeup. I'll take a measurement of the part when I get to the farm but it'll probably be tomorrow.

@Branson Bob