Power steering L2900DT

[Steve NC]

My steering cylinder went out yesterday so now its in need of a rebuild. Does it drop out the bottom of the tractor or do I have to remove the battery and radiator assembly to get access to it from the top side? I really need to order myself a shop manual for this tractor. Thanks for any help and tips getting this cylinder out.

 

[Kenonf]

On my l4200 DT I believe you can access the hoses from inside the engine compartment and underneath the tractor. I don't remember removing the radiator or front axle when I did mine. Don't think i removed the radiator either, did that later after a battery leaked acid on the battery tray and included hardware.

 

[Steve NC]

On my l4200 DT I believe you can access the hoses from inside the engine compartment and underneath the tractor. I don't remember removing the radiator or front axle when I did mine. Don't think i removed the radiator either, did that later after a battery leaked acid on the battery tray and included hardware.

Thanks Kenonf, the lines don’t look like they will be a problem to get off but I was wondering about the pins that hold the steering cylinder on. I see the locking plates that hold them in but was wondering which direction to knock them out. I took the tie rods off last night and plan to take the lines off tonight when I get home after I pick up some caps so I don’t loose much fluid. That stuff is getting expensive like everything else so I’m trying to save as much as I can.

 

[Nicksacco]

Thanks Kenonf, the lines don’t look like they will be a problem to get off but I was wondering about the pins that hold the steering cylinder on. I see the locking plates that hold them in but was wondering which direction to knock them out.

I'm assuming that it wouldn't matter which direction to knock out. I suspect the pin hasn't a taper and the locking plates are on top for convenience and to keep the pin from rotating.
Thoughts anyone??

 

[Kenonf]

Correct on the pin, let gravity be your friend. While in there replace the boots/dust covers as needed, since you are there. I think it has only one plate on the pin. had a photo copy of the WSM manual page there on the workbench with me in case I spilled oil all over the place.
Don't remember anything special about the operation, not like how I remember replacing the bearings and seals on the front axels.

 

[Steve NC]

Finally got the cylinder off and rebuilt. I also figured out that my tractor is older than the one in the parts illustrations. I was missing a zerk fitting on the pin in the bell crank assembly. I can see why there was a redesign of this part. This pin and bushings were the only ones showing wear. The pin was kinda pricey. So I drilled mine and replaced the bushings since the pin didn’t show any wear when I measured it. I managed to get it back together and mowed the pastures before the hurricane dumped 7 inches of water on us.

 

[Nicksacco]

Outstanding! A happy ending.