Shepard steering block leak

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Also, the way mine is mounted it would have to be removed to be able to replace the seal kit, no room to pull the sector shaft out.



Just throwing this out there but I had a bad hydraulic leak on the front of the 4WD tractor, would have been a real pain tear it apart to fix. Some one recommended I try this,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It did stop the leak for ~4 years, I am going to add it again. I've also used it in my wifes Chrysler Town & Country, the thing started using/leaing oil, added the ATP and it stopped it for ~ year.


You might be able to make it home if it slows/stops the leak.

I'm always home as I full time in my coach. If the shop can't fix it I will try the stop leak and hope it will get me to Idaho Falls ID where I know someone that will fix it. Now I have to figure out how much hydraulic fluid my system holds... Thanks again Jim.

[jacwjames]

I have the larger ~4 gallon reservior with the 3 stacked nelson filters.

I'd bring the level up to full and drive it ~50 miles and check to gauge how much you are loosing. Then you can adjust how far you drive.

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

I have the larger ~4 gallon reservior with the 3 stacked nelson filters.

I'd bring the level up to full and drive it ~50 miles and check to gauge how much you are loosing. Then you can adjust how far you drive.

I just talked to the shop and they said they will fix it. I have to order and receive the seal kit first. Thanks again for all of your help Jim.

[jacwjames]

OK, sounds like you've got a plan and the shop will be able to fix at a reasonable cost.



Keep us updated.

[Timaz]

I will, Thank you

[jacwjames]

Tim
Are you going to let them put a whole new set of seal kits in, not just for the sector shaft.

If they do have to drop the steering box, all the work required to do this my just justify doing a complete set of kits, they may be including in what you ordered but you might want to check.

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Tim
Are you going to let them put a whole new set of seal kits in, not just for the sector shaft.

If they do have to drop the steering box, all the work required to do this my just justify doing a complete set of kits, they may be including in what you ordered but you might want to check.

I just went with the sector shaft seal kit because that seems to be the only one being sold...So I hope it works out...And do think (also hope) that you are correct in that being the cause of the leak.

[jacwjames]

Since companies do rebuild these boxes the whole kit still must be available.

My one concern on a project like this is contamination when they tear it apart. And what caused the failure. If possible take a good look at the o-ring for any damage.

When was the last time the circuit was serviced with new filters and fluid.



Might be worth your wild to have that done.
I know in my manual, I have the large reservoir with 3 stacked Nelson filers, it says to siphon off enough fluid to change the filter. But IMHO that is not the best way to do it because of the way the filter is in the tank. I recommend opening one of the small lines on the tank and letting it completely drain. The filter is elevated from the bottom so by doing this any potential contamination will drain away before you remove the filter. Then pull the filter, I'd inspect for any signs of metal or dirt, especially the bottom one. Also check the bottom of the tank. I completely cleaned my tank before going back with new filter and fluid.

Just my opinion, take it or leave it. But what I found with hydraulic systems is one of the biggest issues is the contamination during a repair. This was a big problem in the mines I worked at, but mining is a dirty job!

[Timaz]

The hydraulic fluid and filters were changed out less than 30,000 miles ago and when I look at the fluid on the dip stick is clean. The shop said they normally just change out the steering box, but I told them this box has no play and I want to keep it. So I guess I will see how it goes. They will do it Monday.

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

Also, the way mine is mounted it would have to be removed to be able to replace the seal kit, no room to pull the sector shaft out.



Just throwing this out there but I had a bad hydraulic leak on the front of the 4WD tractor, would have been a real pain tear it apart to fix. Some one recommended I try this,

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It did stop the leak for ~4 years, I am going to add it again. I've also used it in my wifes Chrysler Town & Country, the thing started using/leaing oil, added the ATP and it stopped it for ~ year.


You might be able to make it home if it slows/stops the leak.

I'm going to put three bottles in my four gallon hydraulic tank after they do the sector seal kit. I didn't realize I should have been greasing a fitting on the steering box every six months until the grease comes out the sector shaft seal...just read it in my manual.

[jacwjames]

I didn't remember greasing a fitting on the steering box so I looked through the manual. Only referenced there was for grease was this



"IMPORTANT: If your steering gear was originally built
with a grease fitting in the bearing cap, remove the fitting
and fill the hole with RTV to prevent ingestion of
contaminants. No further lubrication is required."


Do you have a separate grease zerk????

[Timaz]

Originally Posted by jacwjames

I didn't remember greasing a fitting on the steering box so I looked through the manual. Only referenced there was for grease was this



"IMPORTANT: If your steering gear was originally built
with a grease fitting in the bearing cap, remove the fitting
and fill the hole with RTV to prevent ingestion of
contaminants. No further lubrication is required."


Do you have a separate grease zerk????

I don't know if there is a zerk I will have to look tomorrow. Mine is a 2000 so maybe.

[Timaz]

Update: No grease zerk and the steering box is all sealed. Only driven it 7 miles but no leak. Will be heading to OR in about a week to have true toppers installed. so hopefully it's all good.

[jacwjames]

Good to hear,


What did it cost for them to reseal??? Did the seal kit include all the seals or just for sector shaft.