Power Steering Cylinder on JD 4100

redstatedog · Oct 19, 2012

The ball and socket joint end of the power steering cylinder near the front tire needs replacement. Unfortuneately, unlike the part
diagram MP17990 on the JD parts website that breaks this cylinder into 22 separate components and assigns the portion I need to replace as component #2, my JD dealer informed me that you must purchase the ENTIRE cylinder which costs around $500 because JD does not sell these components individually. Furthermore unlike many other manufacturers, this end is not attached by screwing it on, rather it is welded as a one piece rod. I am looking for other options than purchasing the entire cylinder at $500. Is it possible to acquire the end ball and socket from some other source, sever the existing one and weld the new one one? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks to all in advance.

redstatedog · Oct 19, 2012

I am hoping this image appears to supplement my post above.

mfreund · Oct 20, 2012

The original steering cylinder is not rebuildable. That said I would go to a auto parts store and try to get a tie rod end the same size and weld it on the end. Run the rod end all the way out cut it off and weld the new end on. It will be far enough away from the seals to hurt them.

zzvyb6 · Oct 20, 2012

I just used an ordinary spherical joint and a bolt on my F-935 mower steering cylinder. If your part unscrews, you are actually in better shape. You can buy male or female ended spherical joints at a lot of places (ebay comes to mind). As I just looked, there are some used steering cylinders on ebay right now. If nothing else, make sure the lenght is correct.

redstatedog · Oct 20, 2012

Thanks for the suggestions gentlemen!

stingray1 · Nov 2, 2012

mfreund said:
The original steering cylinder is not rebuildable. That said I would go to a auto parts store and try to get a tie rod end the same size and weld it on the end. Run the rod end all the way out cut it off and weld the new end on. It will be far enough away from the seals to hurt them.

I agree.
And keep the parts wrapped in wet rags close to where you are welding to keep the seals cool.