to-30 steering box seals and gaskets

I have a few questions, Does anyone know where to get the seals and gaskets? I think YT has the bushings if needed, any cheaper sources?

Gaskets...

Should there be a gasket between the gear box and the upper support? The parts diagram doesn't show one, but it seems like you need it if you want to keep the oil in. I know there is a gasket between the cover and the box, should there be one between the box and the trans?

If I have to make my own, what should I use (paper, cork) and what thickness?

And does anyone use any sealer with the gaskets or just put them on dry?

Sorry for all the questions.

There should be gaskets at all points as you thought.
The gaskets should be made from some good quality medium thickness gasket paper. Originally there was no need to use gasket cement as the gaskets coped with that problem. If the surfaces of the castings are marked at all, then use some cement, don't overdo it and spread it evenly if you must use it.John(UK)

Hi John.

In regards to the seals, there is an listing on Ebay and the seals are for a TE20 from a vendor in the UK.

I emailed them asking if they had seals for the 30, but they say they TE20 would fit as the TO30 is the export version of the TE20. Does this sound right? Would other model seals fit the TO30?

Thanks,
Tony

When I rebuilt the steering box on My TO30 I went to the MF dealer and got the seals. He had to order them but they can get them.

Bob

when rebuilt,

rather than refilling with the normal gear oil, i would fill the gearbox with john deere corn head grease.

It is a far superior lube and will not run out of a leaking gasket near as quick,

see what others on site say, but i use john deere or case IH corn head grease in all my old gear boxes.

top of the line lube material.

The description of it being an export version is incorrect, it was never exported anywhere, it was made in the USA for the USA and because of this there are a few differences, but nothing that causes big problems as long as you know what parts are different. In this instance, the parts are all the same as the UK version although the Steering Box Housing is different. The seal size is 1-5/16" x 1-7/8" x 7/16" an you should be able to get these locally The bushes are as follows:- 2 off Outer Bush 1-5/16" x 1-7/16" x 1-13/64". The inner Bush is 1 off 1-1/8" x 1-7/16" x 1-1/8". You may also get these locally, maybe from NAPA if you have one nearby. The bushes are listed on this site, I just checked, look here:-http://www.ytmag.com/cgi-bin/store/model_parts.cgi?SearchArea=FE&&md=TO30&cat=Steering&r=mcats
The seal is not listed, but it should be easy enough to buy locally. Check the Steering Levers that pass through the bushes, for wear. If they have been short of lube for sometime they will be worn and the Bushes and seals may not stop the leak.You could use a mix of heavy grease and some heavy gear oil if necessary, this will reduce any leak even if it doesn"t cure it. The gear oil is necessary. Check the Bearings at the top and bottom of the Steering Column, especially the Top Bearing as that is always starved of lube. You could fit a greaser to this Top Bearing if you are careful, just like the 35 tractors.Place it as near the top as you can, you will need to cut the chrome cover to go over the greaser. This will lube the top bearing and also keep out any water, fit a felt seal as well as this will also help, soak the Felt seal in Oil for a few hours before you fit it, this too will help. If you need the bearings for the Column, they are both the same and they are Timken TC4-B6 The Chrome cover/Spring & Felt seal are also available from this site, shown on same page. The oil normally used is same as you use in the Engine. If the Steering is heavy, check the Center Pivot Pin for wear as it allows the Axle to tip and alters the Castor Angle of the King Pins, this can also bend the Radius Rods up-wards in the middle and if the axle tips up-wards on the left side, it can damage the Radiator Bottom Hose connection. The Kings Pins have a thrust Bearing at the Bottom that does not always get grease, this is supplied with grease when you grease the King Pins You can tell if this Bearing is worn by checking to see if there is a space between Steering Lever on top of the King Pin and the Outer Axle There should also be a felt seal at this point
If you need the Manual for the Steering, just email direct and I will send it to you...John([email protected]