Bucket curl cylinder leaking

[Hughman]

After 20 years of use and abuse, one of my bucket curl cylinders is leaking hydro fluid around the shaft. (I guess even tractors aren't immune from leaking shafts as they get older.)

Is replacing the seals a DIY task of should I just take it to the dealer? If I do take it to the dealer, I'd probably still need to remove the cylinder from the loader since I don't have any way to haul the entire tractor 40+ miles into town.

Should I just fix the one cylinder that is leaking or do all four curl/lift cylinders at the same time? It's the 14A loader if that makes any difference.

 

[oldnslo]

It depends on you comfort level and tools on whether you rebuild a cylinder yourself or take them to a shop.

I would rebuild both curl cylinders since similar wear and age.

 

[caver]

I do my own but bought a couple tools needed. case has a gland nut wrench. I would ask around. there's always some guy who rebuilds cylinders. I started out going that route but to me the rebuilding is the easy part. Removing cylinder is the pain so i went that far might as well DIY from there on.

 

[dieselscout80]

When I rebuilt one of my boom lift cylinders someone here to not dismount the whole cylinder. I wonder if it would work and so I tried it and it worked great.

 

[Hughman]

I watched a YT video and it looks doable. I'm sure after I get a quote from the dealer that will probably seal the deal which way I go. I'm always willing to try any job at least once myself.

 

[Redbug]

It depends on you comfort level and tools on whether you rebuild a cylinder yourself or take them to a shop.

I would rebuild both curl cylinders since similar wear and age.

I agree with rebuilding both cylinders. That's because when they get age on them from use...the non-rebuilt cylinder will be weaker than the rebuilt cylinder. Keep an eye on it.

 

[Roadworthy]

A local hydraulic shop may be the way to go. They may do the job including seals and labor for only a bit more than the dealer would want for parts. You could probably call for an estimate.

 

[sd455dan]

It is physical work, Do you have strong hands and a well mounted vice?

I would go for it. I have done several. Get the seal kits first if you have the parts manual.
Some gland nuts are easier than others, break them free on the machine then drain, remove and go through in the shop.

If it is an older machine I would pressure wash the cylinder and use degreaser with a brush, Was amazed with the crud in a couple of them. Blow dry and spray some wd 40 inside. I mounted the rod end in the vice and air impact to get the nut off. A sonic bath cleaner with heat and filled with hydraulic oil works well to soften the seals and a gland seal tool helps with inserting inside seals.