L3540 Hydraulic line cracked

[gavinfred1]

Hey all,

I have recently developed a cracked hydraulic line that seems to originate from a plug on the bottom of the tractor that weaves its way to the front of the tractor that I can't see without alot more investigating. I will post a picture later but I was reaching out to see if anyone had similar issues with some help or if I should just take it to my dealer. HELP!

 

[crazyal]

Does it look like just one bad section of pipe while the rest is fine or do you think the whole pipe needs to be replaced? If the pipe doesn't need replacing there's a company called Swagelok that makes a connector for tubes that doesn't require the tube to be flared. They should make both SAE and metric. They are rated for a lot higher than any pressure your tractor could develop and the vibrations shouldn't be an issue.

 

[gavinfred1]

Thanks for the reply. I am familiar with Swagelok from work. My issue is with the hydraulic line leaving the pump (I think) to the power steering box. See attached. I am not scared to remove just not sure if I should try wiht how long the line is and the tight area.

 

[gavinfred1]

I have removed the other end...I assume that I just remove the bolt and the line goes to the "round" fitting?

 

[Redlands Okie]

I am NOT a hydraulic expert. From the experience I do I have there most likely is some holes in the bolt or a smaller thread section that allows the fluid to pass thru or around the bolt. And I suspect the round fitting is part of the line, all one piece.

 

[David_Kb7uns]

With having an Lxx30 series manual only, is this the Hydro Charge Pump line? If the line is cracked and leaking, why not replace it? If it has fatigue cracks starting I think they will travel down the line.

If the leaking area is the Banjo Bolt, you may need some new washers that have not been compressed.

David

 

[teg]

Can you reload the 2nd image?

 

[gavinfred1]

The second picture was the same picture as the first. I have no problem replacing it...I just wasn't familiar with the "banjo bolt". I will try to back out the bolt tonight and remove the line and replace it. It ends up at the power steering box at the front end. I am not sure of how in the world it will come out as there isn't more than 8" of straight to it and I would guess it is 6' in total length. Would anyone recommend where to purchase the line and associsted hardware? Thanks for the replies!

 

[Ford850]

Are you sure the line is cracked? Or is the leak coming from one of the banjo bolt seals? As mentioned above, the banjo bolt should have a seal between the bolt head and the circular line end, and another seal between the circular line end and the tractor.

 

[gavinfred1]

Great question. I'm not sure as it started as a drip and now I can't use the tractor because it blows out so much. I will take the bolt out and check it out and the seals. I just assumed that it was the line itself. I'm not 100% sure either way. If it was the seals that would make it a much easier fix.

 

[Kubota 2350]

Try to tighten the bolt and see if the leak stops, if not replace both washers.

 

[sixdogs]

I'm reluctant to comment because I can't recall exactly but I think the one I had leaking had an O ring on it and was no big deal. If yours is the same and that is the problem, I would get an OEM ring because they seem to be stronger.

 

[Ford850]

I've seen these with O-rings, metal crush washers, or combo metal/rubber washers. Either way, I would try to get the OEM, or at least match one from a good hydraulics shop. I'm betting it's an easy fix. :thumbsup:

 

[Adiredneck]

On my L5240, I had almost every hard line off and they all had copper washers.

 

[gavinfred1]

Mine had brass washers and thanks for all the help but unfortunately for me and my wallet the line had 4 pin hole leaks in it. My dealer is coming to get it as I have no idea how to get the line out! Several pieces will need removed.

Thanks again.

 

[Ford850]

Wow, I'm surprised by the pinholes. How many hours are on it?

 

[gavinfred1]

Mid 400 hrs. I am fairly dissappointed by it. I take very good care of it and have it serviced religously as required. Part of it I guess. I did learn alot wrenching around on it but I just don't feel comfortable taking all the parts off to get the line out. We'll see how it goes.