Rebuild/replace steering hyd cylinder on 580 Super E

The left steering hydraulic cylinder on my Case 580 Super E is leaking pretty bad. Will they take a rebuild (seals, etc.) pretty good or should I just buy a new one? Will I have to mortgage the farm to buy a new one?<g> Thanks!

Any good hydraulic repair service should be able to rebuild it for you.

I would get a quote from the local hydraulic shop first. I believe they are only around $200 new.

Rick

Depends on 2 factors:

1. The reason it's leaking... If its damaged, bent, or worn, it's probably time for a new/rebuilt cylinder.

2. The design of the cylinder. Is the end removable? As in a snap ring or bolts holding it together? Some cylinders are welded together, unless you have access to a metal lathe to cut it open, best take it to a rebuilder.

If you can get it apart, and it's not damaged, seals can be bought from the dealer or aftermarket. Nothing really difficult, just be clean and patient not to roll or cut a seal going back together.

If you were close to me here in NC I would gladly rebuild it for you. Typically damage to the rod results in a really slow 'weep' of fluid that often keeps the rod wet, but doesn't actually 'leak' like bad seals do. More than likely the problem with yours is that the seals are worn out and/or old and rotted out. I've repacked several cylinders in the past couple of months and the seals in all of them have been so old they were 'rotten' and falling apart. I did one that was so bad the seal was basically missing other than a few small pieces. Needless to say it had a serious leak.

Beyond that, it's not that hard to repack one, if you've got the proper tools to remove the head of the cylinder, and something to provide enough torque to get the nut/bolt that holds the piston to the rod. Without those things your best bet is to take it to your local hydraulic shop and let them redo it for you. Price wise I've found that in most cases the cost of a factory seal kit isn't all that much more than the cost of the individual pieces. The benefit of the few extra dollars is that you know you've got all the correct parts before you start so there's not waiting on something odd, that had to be ordered, once you get it torn down.

Good luck.