Mahindra 5035 FEL Joystick Repair/Replace

[majorjim]

About a week ago one of the FEL joystick ball and socket links (the one that controls bucket curl) broke. The ball and socket links are located under the rubber boot at the base of the joystick handle. I wasted several days looking for replacement linkage, but to no avail. So, I bit the bullet and ordered a new, genuine Mahindra FEL joystick and cable assembly. A $450 part... The part arrived the other day and I started disassembling the old parts. Removing the upper portion of the joystick/cable assy. from the mounting bracket is straightforward and easy. I'm concerned with how to safely remove the two cables from the spool valves on the loader hydraulic control valve located underneath, and re-attach the new cables. I did loosen the 6 allen head cap screws that clamp the cable conduits to the hyd. valve. But then I started thinking what if those spool valves are under pressure and when I start to disconnect everything will I have pistons, springs and hydraulic fluid flying in all directions? So, now I'm looking for advice on how to proceed. Is this a job for a fairly handy DIYer? Am I all worried about nothing? Should I just jump right in and tear it apart? Is there a way to relieve any residual hydraulic pressure from the system? This looks like (on the surface, at least) an easy replacement. Has anyone out there replaced one of these? I have the owners manual for the FEL (KMW ML130) and it provides great instructions and photos on how to mount the joystick and cables on a brand new tractor BEFORE the hydraulic system is pressurized. It would be nice to have a repair manual that shows how to replace the parts on a used tractor with pressurized hydraulic system. Any help I can get would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jim

 

[darmstrong2319]

No pressure if like my 4035 follow instructions and you’ll be fine.

 

[majorjim]

Thank you sir! Did you have to replace yours too?

 

[darmstrong2319]

Yes I replaced mine and with the help of the book it was no problem. The book explains it pretty well and with common sense you’ll be fine.

 

[majorjim]

I want to thank darmstrong2319 for his encouraging words and advice. Thanks to him I was able to put on my big boy pants and tackle this repair job! As sometimes happens, out of fear, I had talked myself out of attempting this repair/replacement. And, also as usual, my fears were not justified, and after an investment of only three hours, I successfully completed the repair. Proving, once again that "you really can teach an old dog a new trick". So, lesson learned... It's ok to exercise caution, not ok to freeze-up with fear. Next time something breaks on my tractor I'll remember this lesson! Sure is nice to have a fully functional F.E.L. again!

 

[darmstrong2319]

Glad you got it straightened out. It’s easy to get overwhelmed we’ve all been there.