Uh Oh, potential problem already on my CK20S at 17.5 hrs

TSO · Apr 30, 2012

nickel plate said:
Are you serious? A less than a couple of bucks O-ring is not replacable and therefore requires a $1700.00 steering column/shaft? TSO, I'm not doubting you but it sounds to me that MAYBE the dealer is shafting Kioti for a lot more than what is actually wrong with your tractor.

Who knows... Anything's possible of course. But the only money the dealer would gain from this is their Labor charge. I can't imagine that they'd risk their affiliation with Kioti for an extra $100-200 in labor. :confused3:

Either way, my tractor will be fixed under warranty, and with brand new parts, so I'm satisfied. Maybe I can even get him to throw in something extra for my troubles.

Jesse masterson · Apr 30, 2012

Could be s gasket or a loose nut I wouldn't fret about it personally but I think they should pick it up for tou

Jesse masterson · Apr 30, 2012

I've never seen a o ring that can't be replaced I think the dealer lied about That I don't know why that just my gut feeling

CJONE · May 1, 2012

nickel plate said:
Are you serious? A less than a couple of bucks O-ring is not replacable and therefore requires a $1700.00 steering column/shaft? TSO, I'm not doubting you but it sounds to me that MAYBE the dealer is shafting Kioti for a lot more than what is actually wrong with your tractor.

Or whatener needs be dissasembled the dealer or Kioti does not want it to be field fixed. CJ

Gittyup · May 1, 2012

It is probably that Daedong buys the whole column as an assembly from a 3rd party. They probably don't have access to the o-ring information, or aren't willing to risk it just to save a few dollars. They may return the damaged part to the OEM for credit. If so, their net cost is near zero and the OEM can replace the O-ring and put it back in the supply chain. Kioti's approach yields the best, fastest, and most assured solution for the consumer. Glad to see they are taking care of it.

nickel plate · May 1, 2012

If the steering column was not under warranty, is there anyone here who wouldn't first try to replace the O ring before purchasing the whole column?

PatasColo · May 1, 2012

nickel plate said:
If the steering column was not under warranty, is there anyone here who wouldn't first try to replace the O ring before purchasing the whole column?

And if you couldn't get your hands on that exact O-ring (might be a whopper and an odd size and thickness), could it be fixed with one of those form-a-gasket rubber products? (Just asking for interest/learning here, for cases where something like this is not under warranty... I'm glad TSO is getting it done right by the dealer :thumbsup: ).
-Mitch

VictorW · May 1, 2012

nickel plate said:
If the steering column was not under warranty, is there anyone here who wouldn't first try to replace the O ring before purchasing the whole column?

If you could find the proper size o-ring and none of the machined parts it seals are damaged causing the seal to blow out, then I would do it as an owner if it was out of warranty. By the parts breakdown, it doesn't look as if this o-ring, is available unless TSO is talking about part #2 mating to part #1 with o-ring part #3. See: OEM Parts

It might be as Gittyup mentioned and this part is not available from the supplier by itself and Kioti has some type of agreement with them on failed assemblies. As an owner out of warranty, I would definitely be hunting for an o-ring instead of a new steering box. If it came down to not finding an o-ring as PatasColo mentioned, I might give form-a-gasket a try but it may be tricky. You would just want to be sure the sealer was cured before putting pressure to it and none of the sealer worked it's way into the hydraulic system. Small pieces may lodge in a pressure relief valve or something else and cause more problems.

The good thing is TSO's tractor will be good as new and the dealer is taking good care of him. Not much more you can ask for other than hope he brings it back free.

TSO · May 1, 2012

nickel plate said:
If the steering column was not under warranty, is there anyone here who wouldn't first try to replace the O ring before purchasing the whole column?

I would! I'm sure that there's a way... but then, I'm an overly optimistic DIY'er who "thinks" he can problem solve most things. Luckily it's under warranty so I don't have to try it!