How hard is it to replace seals in a cylinder?

[rhamer]

I realise this is a pretty open ended question, but I thought I would ask it anyway.

I have a backhoe of questionable parentage that I have adapted to my Kubota.

It all works fine, however most of the cylinders are leaking somewhat and one of the stabaliser ones needs to be constantly reset.

The cylinders seem pretty standard welded types, with screw on end caps, so I dont see any problem removing them.

The real question is what to ask for when buying new seals?

Do I just say I want a kit for a particular bore size or is there more to it?

I was going to just give them to the hydraulic guy, but then if I could save a few bucks, and just buy the kits, why not.

So in total there are 7 cylinders, which should save a few dollars in labour.

Any thoughts?

Cheers

Rohan

 

[kennyd]

Rebuilding them is the easy part, getting the proper seal kits for cylinder of unknown origin may prove to the hard though...

If you have a GOOD shop near you then you can take the cylinder apart and take them the old seals...If your shopping online then careful measuring is a must. There are different seals in different manufacturers cylinders-so just giving the bore size will not help.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Hello Rohan,

First of all, what is your mechanical ability? Do you have the proper tools? There are special tools required depending on the style of cylinder. There are so many different styles and sizes of seals it's not funny. Many times people come to me with your same problem. If they are going to bring all the cylinders to me, I give them a volume discount. I can tear them all apart at once, order all the seals at once, and assemble/test them all at the same time. I just did all 7 cylinders on an old International backhoe and the whole job was $550. There was one cylinder that needed a lot of additional work and this is where the additional cost came in. Approach some local hydraulic shops in that fashion and get some quotes. Tractor sized backhoes are pretty standard size as far as seal sizes go. The cost difference will be in the style of seal as some are more expensive than others. Post some pictures of your cylinders so that we can tell you what you're getting into if you decide to do it yourself.
Good Luck, Andy.

 

[rhamer]

Thanks guys,

I thought it might be a bit more involved.

The mechanical part is no problem, but getting the right seals would be a fair bit harder.

Of course there is testing as well, and if it still leaks what then?

So I guess I'm better off just getting them done.

I'll try and post a few pics so you chaps can comment on the types etc

Cheers

Rohan

 

[Onthesauk]

Good timing for this thread. I just dropped off a cylinder from my loader this morning to have a new seal put in. For me it was more a matter of not having the tools to get it apart plus being uncertain on how to get the right seal to replace it.

 

[Wayne County Hose]

Thanks guys,

I thought it might be a bit more involved.

The mechanical part is no problem, but getting the right seals would be a fair bit harder.

Of course there is testing as well, and if it still leaks what then?

So I guess I'm better off just getting them done.

I'll try and post a few pics so you chaps can comment on the types etc

Cheers

Rohan

Hello Rohan,

On that cylinder in the picture, it appears to me that the rod could use to be polished. Something like that, I put in the lathe, put some oil on it, and spin it across some fine crokus cloth. The cylinder doesn't look like anything special, but matching up seals could be a problem for a rookie.

 

[sandman2234]

I ordered a seal kit from John Deere for my steering cylinders ($130ea) and when they came in, they didn't "look right", and the parts guy was less than co-operative about it, so I took it to a hydraulic shop, and they agreed the kit didn't look correct (thru the bag, because opening it would disallow returning of the new part). They looked around and found the right seals, and installed them for $40. The next week, the other one gave up and the hydraulic guy came to my house and rebuilt the other one, so I wouldn't have to take it off the tractor. Same $40, but I did tip him plus added a couple 12 paks to the deal.
I say use a hydraulic shop!!!
David from jax