[deaddeere420]

Today when mowing I was just about done and Hydraulic fluid started shooting straight up the steering column
I have read where seal failure is common in these tractors and this is an 88
I stopped by my dealer and he didn't really seam to want to work on it but he did look it over and and mentioned that was a lot of fluid and I need to rule out a hose rupture
So as soon as I got home I dug into it and ended up pulling the steering column completely out
I believe it is the column as I found no other leaks and the column was caked with dirt and oil indication I have had a leak for a while

So this leaves me with having to rebuild the column and I have a few questions

1) Is this something I can do? I am very mechanical and have the manual (TM1590)
2) is there any tricks to this I need to watch out for?
3) is seal kit AM107078 all I will need or will I need something else?
4) is it possible that one of my pressure relief valves stuck causing the fluid to blow out the column?

Lots of questions I know but you guys have a lot of knowledge and experience
John

 

[andrewn]

If you decide not to rebuild it or just want a spare I have a good used 5 port column.

 

[deaddeere420]

Andrew
I just sent you an email

 

[trapperjohn]

John, It's not rocket science, the only thing you will need is a holding fixture which you can make to hold it in your vise and the manual. Fluid coming up the column is a sign the seals are leaking and the seal kit is the fix. Just have a clean area to work on and be careful and follow the manual. Mark the stack of plates so they go back the in the same orientation. I go down the side with a silver magic marker. Good luck.

 

[deaddeere420]

Thank you for the Answer Ron
I bought a replacement from Andrew so I can get mowing right away but I plan to rebuild this column eventually
I still worry that a pressure valve could have stuck, but when I pulled it apart it was obvious it had been leaking for a while