JD3020 Steering Motor Rebuild - tough job?

Bruce 4447 · Oct 2, 2014

I'm sure from previous posts that the front steering motor on my JD 3020 needs to be rebuilt. It has a flowing leak from the bottom where the steering arms attach. I've heard that even experienced JD mechanics don't like rebuilding the steering pump (connected to the steering column). Is the steering motor also a "touchy" job? I can drop the front axle and side rail to get to the steering motor.

Tx Jim · Oct 2, 2014

(quoted from post at 15:55:21 10/02/14) I'm sure from previous posts that the front steering motor on my JD 3020 needs to be rebuilt. It has a flowing leak from the bottom where the steering arms attach. I've heard that even experienced JD mechanics don't like rebuilding the steering pump (connected to the steering column). Is the steering motor also a "touchy" job? I can drop the front axle and side rail to get to the steering motor.

3020 steering motor rebuild is a cake walk compared to the steering valve under the steering wheel. CAUTION: be sure you have tractor safely SUPPORTED.

D- · Oct 2, 2014

If steering is working properly you might only need the seal.
Sometimes the pinion can be scored at the sealing area.
If all you need is the seal turn the steering all the way to stop (either way). Timing marks will be lined up. Line them up as you reinstall.

tim s · Oct 2, 2014

to add to that disconnect your steer lines to help keep the pistons from moving when you drop the pinion down out...static pressure can make them move a bit to give you some grief..

2510Paul · Oct 2, 2014

Your may not have to pull the entire steering motor, just the pinion gear which can be pulled from the bottom when the frontend is removed. That bottom seal is about $30. I just did one, I neglected to put a gasket sealer between the metal to metal press fit of the seal. It weeps a little, I will remove it again. Paul

2510Paul · Oct 2, 2014

Here is a picture of the bottom of the steering motor. Note the timing marks. Just remove the 6 bolts and pull it down. Prepare for an oil bath. The seal is immediately above the bolts that hold the steering arm (wide front). Be very careful the bolt is not so long as to damage the seal. I have seen this a couple of times. Paul

Bruce 4447 · Oct 2, 2014

Thanks everyone, great advice as always. I'll try the seal first. I've been babying this all season (lots of JD Hydraulic fluid)and now we are going to have a break here in Colorado. I'm pretty confident with my antique tractors, but the newest is a '56 Oliver, so I can always count on all of you to help me with the "new" ones.

Bruce 4447 · Jul 31, 2015

I removed the six bolts holding the bottom of my 3020 steering motor but I can't budge it with a crow bar. I assume it is just stuck because it has never been removed. Is that correct. I can make a puller to pull on center (the four bolts) with more pressure. Will that damage anything? Any suggestions? Am I missing something?

Sberry · Jan 19, 2016

Any more posts or threads on these? I have mine out now and getting ready to tear it apart. I assume I will need a kit, it doesn't leak external but takes off to one direction on occasion. I got a whole box of seals and O rings, they use anywhere else on JD equipment?

Sberry · Jan 19, 2016

I was trying to post a couple pics but doesn't look like it might happen.

Sberry · Jan 19, 2016

Ok, its kind of wonky but works.

Sberry · Jan 19, 2016

Got it on my engine stand.

Sberry · Jan 19, 2016

wont let it edit.

Sberry · Jan 23, 2016

I have been avoiding this for some reason, found other stuff to do but just went out and took it apart in about 20 mins and I was super fussy not to get dirt in it. Having it out made it easy to knock the pinion loose, I could do it in the tractor again I spose but sure as sheet a single back up ring cracked and scuffed a seal, must have been wedging in on occasion. I wish I would have ordered parts I would be popping it back together right now.
Do they use never seize on the plugs? When I pulled them there was some on each one. I cant imagine this has ever been apart till now.
Someone wouldn't have the kit number handy?

Tx Jim · Jan 24, 2016

(quoted from post at 15:30:51 01/23/16)
Someone wouldn't have the kit number handy?

Kit isn't offered anymore by JD. If repairing motor while still in tractor here are the correct parts.
1ea-R34748 Seal - SEAL,OIL ADD 31.81 USD
4ea-B3685R O-Ring - PACKING,O RING 3.64 USD 14.56 USD
2ea-R26282 O-Ring - PACKING O RING 2.77 USD 5.54 USD
2ea-R26290 Back-Up Ring - RING,BACK-UP 5.29 USD 10.58 USD
4ea-R47083 Back-Up Ring - RING,BACK-UP 3.98 USD 15.92 USD

Sberry · Jan 25, 2016

I believe it might take 4 of each or somehow does it only take 2 if its in the tractor as its done from one side?

Tx Jim · Jan 25, 2016

If one was going to remove steering motor as pictured and remove plugs on both sides of motor then one would need 2 more o-rings & back-up washers. Part numbers I posted earlier were if motor was resealed while in tractor.

2ea-R26282 O-Ring - PACKING O RING 2.77 USD 5.54 USD
2ea-R26290 Back-Up Ring - RING,BACK-UP 5.29 USD 10.58 USD

Sberry · Jan 26, 2016

Normally this would have been done in a day and parts would have been ordered if it was in a critical time frame but I got sidetracked with other projects.
I wanted to take it right out and its not a big deal for me, its easy for me to split or remove a piece. Did a wheel brg on a 2640 not too long ago, took about an hour or so to tear it apart. The others may be a spun eng balance shaft brg, we ordered an undersized bearing, turned it to fit, glued and dimpled it in.

Sberry · Jan 28, 2016

I remember mention earlier in a thread about a bit of sealer on the pinion seal. This looks like it might not be a bad idea?

JD3020 Steering Motor Rebuild - tough job?

Bruce 4447

New User

Tx Jim

Well-known Member

D-

Well-known Member

tim s

Well-known Member

2510Paul

Well-known Member

2510Paul

Well-known Member

Bruce 4447

New User

Bruce 4447

New User

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Tx Jim

Well-known Member

Sberry

Member

Tx Jim

Well-known Member

Sberry

Member

Sberry

Member

Similar threads