TC21D Oil Dripping out of Steering Tube?

[deltatango]

I noticed oil on the floor pan directly under the steering wheel between the drivers seat and console. I first thought it was cominig from the transaxle dipstick, but then I noticed the oil was actually coming from the steering tube? I looked in the manual for seals/anything that could be connected down at the lower connection but I didn't see an obvious seal that could be the source. I haven't had a chance to tear into it yet and find the root cause. Has anyone else experienced this and have any advice?

 

[TractorTech]

Yes, I have. The steering seal at the top of the steering motor is leaking (#5). You can get the kit to reseal the whole motor, SBA334293128 for $230., but the problem is at the top. Water gets into the top of the motor, rusts the input shaft/coupler and the rust flakes of into the seal.
You can order 4, 5 and 8, but you will spend $125., but that will cure your problem. It is basically a CharLynn motor and I ordered seals for a CharLynn for a lesser price, but I would have to go research if you are interested.
Resealing the whole motor is tricky, if you have not done one before, I would avoid doing so.

 

[deltatango]

@TractorTech thank you so much sir! I will do some research into my pump and see what I can find. I think I would order the entire parts kit even if I only used the main seals in case anything else was of use down the road. However, now that you tipped me to the CharLynn motor, I may also research to find a form fit function equiv and replace the entire unit. It looks like prices vary wildly on these with many options, some as low as $200 up to $1600.

 

[TractorTech]

It is a Japanese licensed CharLynn design. Here are the Deere parts I used and the equivalent New Holland parts at current prices:

Deere New Holland
B3690R $4.60 Oring = 272380 $ 5.30
C15104 $13.59 Dust Wiper = SBA334292269 $47.06
C15107 $2.76 Oring = SBA334292268 $71.04
T54324 $10.60 Snap Ring/Spiral ring = SBA334292270 $71.84
$31.55 $195.24