Repair or ignore, component of steering cylinder seal? [2011 bx2360]

[forestlover]

Hi all, I'm new to the forum and new to tractors. Just bought my first ever tractor used and during initial inspection after bringing it home I noticed the left side of front axle piston rod has these two rings hanging out. They appear to be a part of the steering cylinder? But comparing it to the right side piston rod I don't see where these two rings came from or where they should go.

Basing my terminology off the figures on this page of the service manual: https://www.manualslib.com/manual/1055921/Kubota-Bx1860.html?page=235#manual

Tractor is steering fine, no play in the steering wheel, and the steering cylinder doesn't appear to be leaking transmission oil. It's a 2011 but only 250hrs on it.

Basically I am trying to determine if its okay to just ignore this or should I do some preventative maintenance or risk busting the steering cylinder?

 

[North Idaho Wolfman]

That apears to be the remanats of an old boot that was replaced.

 

[hagrid]

Quite right. The ID is too large to be a wiper.

 

[GreensvilleJay]

Those two 'remnants' should be carefully cut and removed .
Someone was sloppy ! Wonder what else was done that way on the tractor ??

 

[forestlover]

Ah that makes so much more sense. I was racking my brain trying to figure out how they were part of the steering cylinder seal

I appreciate all the help folks, thanks so much!

As to what else was done sloppy... I'll find out in time I guess haha. With the aid of the service manual I've been inspecting things front to back and everything else has looked good so far thankfully.

Thanks again everyone, excited to be on the forum and to put this thing to use!

 

[GeoHorn]

Looks to me as if they’d done the front wheel alignment before they’d removed all the old parts to be discarded….(forgetful/poor-planning/being-cheap)…

You can make new boots using a sheet of EPDM, wrapping it around the exposed shaft and wire-tying it…. or ignore it , cut the remnants off and discard….and keep that shaft out of the dirt and clean. (but the manual doesn’t illustrate any ”boot”…so it may have been some home-made left-over..? )

Having JUST replaced my steering-cylinder… to the tune of $2K…. I’d stay aware of where/how I’m operating the tractor (don’t try to use it for a bulldozer like I suspect the PO did.)