In this video I have to fix my lawnmower before the grass starts growing again! It is a 2003 Kubota BX22. The hydraulic steering cylinder on the front axle has an internal leak making it wander as you drive it or just not steer at all. I bought a seal kit from Kubota for about $50 and it is a relatively simple task. -Enjoy!
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50 thoughts on “Kubota bx22: hydo. steering cylinder – reseal”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joseph Barbaro says:

    Great video when I did it I found it easier to remove the hood and the flywheel cover to access the hoses easier and less time on the ground (I am 73 ) I also found it easier to drill the hole after trying to get the snap ring out for an hour -The guide assby does move back toward the cylinder enough to get the snap ring out – I used a socket and hammer meathod once you get the snap ring out removing the guide assby can be a bear due to rust. I put a full trash can under the vise to catch the cylinder and drove the guide assby out by placing a piece of wood over the cylinder and using a 5 pound sledge to drive out the opposite guide assby. Be nice if you wreck the guide assby you have to buy a whole new cylinder-I checked

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terry Baker says:

    Thank you

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rickey Denton says:

    Used your video to rebuild steering cylinder! Wasn’t near as easy as yours appeared to be. Those D- – n retainer ring! Outside of that not to bad!

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Steady Eddie says:

    Man, what is it with Kubota? They use O rings where they should use lip seals, replaceable bushings in blind holes, circular retainer rings when they could have used C rings. I'm working on another BX model now with a front axle housing center pivot bolt leak . The bolt wore oval the hole in the back pivot bolt mounting plate. No bushing there, part of the frame. Yikes! And no vent for the front axle. What a hot mess. Glad you were successful in the steering unit reseal. Oh, and they make a cool tool to install those blue inner seals inside the piston. Thanks for the entertainment.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike S. says:

    My Kubota BX is nearing 800 hours. Starting to get some leaks in the hydraulics. Thanks for leading the way .

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    It's great to be a mechanical republican 😀

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars joshmiddlebrooks says:

    Just wanted to say thank you very much for taking the time to record this and post it. Just did mine using this video and it turned out great. I had an issue getting one of the tie rods off but I was able to complete the job with only removing one. Drilling the hole was a must for me but it made that snap ring come out easily. A vise is a must for this job. Also helps to have another set of hands especially for the snap rings. The center snap rings go back on fairly easy if you use some needle nose plyers in reverse to open them up. Just some things I wanted to share. Thanks again!

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tim Bevan says:

    The steering linkage to the ball joint, when you tighten it, does it have any up and down play? I tried tightening all the way with an impact ratchet and it still moves up and down. Thanks

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rich Cochran says:

    Nice work! I have an 05' BX2200 and and have a bad main hose to the steering controller. Step 1, remove the steering wheel and dash. Fun to learn on Youtube and see what others are doing.

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J K says:

    Holy crap your property is the place of dreams.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Don V says:

    This vid might come in handy in a few years. Same steering unit on my Cub Cadet-Yanmar SC2400. And one of my boots has been ripped for years too. I just put a fresh wrap of electrical tape on it every other year. 😉 Thanks for the tutorial ahead of time. 👍🏼

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim says:

    Great video that helped me a lot with changing the steering cylinder on my 2003 BX2200. My BX22 was one of those that came with a steering cylinder that had not been honed properly and thus damaged the center seal within a couple of years. It still sort of worked but when the hydraulic fluid got warm the steering would be terrible. So, I needed to replace the cylinder. I ran into three problems during the process. First, when disconnecting the tie rods from the wheels I followed the directions from this video that involved removing the castle nuts, reversing them and then tapping them with a hammer to pop out the tie rod without potentially damaging the bolt threads. Apparently the nuts are made out of a softer steel so they can be milled for the cotter pin slots. They were then difficult to rethread onto the bolt (the threads had been slightly damaged) so I ended up replacing them for about $9, no problem. If there is a next time I will hold a piece of wood against the tie rod bolt and tap it with a hammer to keep from damaging the end bold thread. Second, I could not disconnect the hydraulic hose from the right end of the cylinder because I could not get a wrench on it with room to rotate (my tractor has parts of the front end in the way that I do not see in this video). I ended up taking off the wraparound front cowling below the hood, the front bumper, the flywheel cover and the flywheel to get good access to the hose connection. Finally on the workbench, one of the tie rods was easily removed from the cylinder using a vise on the other end tie rod and tapping the wrench on the tie rod being removed. However, on the other tie rod it would not come off at all after a couple hours of trying everything I could think of. I concluded that the bolt must have been cross threaded or something. I ended up buying a new tie rod to replace it for $66.

    Though I don't remember seeing it mentioned in the video, since I was replacing the steering cylinder I filled both ends with hydraulic fluid using a hypodermic syringe so that there would not be air in the cylinder to start with.

    Now, after around 15 years the steering works perfectly again!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Petty says:

    I get the factory manual for equipment. The Japanese are the best at telling you nothing. The blow ups make it worthwhile. I worked with Japan engineers for years and find them the weirdest engineers of all.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerry Daily says:

    I am laughing so much as I watch you, thinking of myself years ago, doing the same thing. That is putting something back to gather. Didn’t have the tools like you have 60 years ago.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Vic Ferrari’s garage says:

    Awesome! I had a great time watch. And just remember (if I can watch You can watch)!

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Johnny Sechrist says:

    Most non-mechanics would take it back to the dealer for service which would be costly. I suggest some motorcycle fork tube covers to keep that shaft clean on both sides.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Adams says:

    What!!! You did that whole job without Brake Cleaner!!! Amazing. Lol

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Schnars says:

    For your ripped boots would a bike inner tube and two radiator clamps work ?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DAD TYPE 2 says:

    Yes do enjoy the youthful help, my girls don't want anything to do with fixing cars even though I try to make it fun, I always ask them wouldn't you rather know how to fix it then rely on a man at a shop who will probably rip you off? One said nah they don't do that, I said well just be sure to take it to Eric at South main auto, lol I try. Was a fun video to watch, reminded me, of me and my Dad. Thanks for posting it !

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tuck Frudeau The Cowardly Soyboy Dictastor says:

    Love watching your vids from home working on your stuff.✌👍

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeffrey Battousai Strader says:

    The one thing I have literally learned watching Eric's videos, is that if Eric doesn't get it going, it CAN'T be fixed.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Randall Reddy says:

    Tonight on South Main Auto Unplugged. Two thumbs up for making an old school driveway repair video!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DAMRGHOST says:

    Rookie mistakes… lmao 🤣 Eric you are great 👍 love your channel. Keep it real 💯

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeff Taylor says:

    Join the rest of the world…who don't have a lift.

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mark Ferrick says:

    Outside your element laying on the ground outside on the driveway is when most of us are in our fixing element.. Great video. Love you whispering at then end after making a racket drivun the tractor around,, probably well past 11. Should have Mrs O join you for your ride.

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joe Shopper says:

    How much did it cost for the Princess Leah cameo? I'll bet it wasn't cheap!

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MaineGeek75 says:

    Great little helper!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dennis Smith says:

    Not only is he a great mechanic, he's a Kubota guy too. Awsome!!

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ira Moss says:

    Since who have a size vice u could use it a mini-press as for some of ur pressing needs

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars B Souza says:

    Most excellent job ! Well Done 👍

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeffery Powell says:

    super glue boots

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeffery Powell says:

    back to old school

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Erickson says:

    Thank you for posting this video. I was able to fix my steering issue for the cost of the ring, seal kit and metric adjustable wrench. 😂 It is content like this, that makes YouTube such a valuable resource. Well done!

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Imam Abderahman says:

    I like the phrase when you say if I can do it you can do it. Thanks for the courage

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars FSAUDIOGUY says:

    Drunk mowing? I'm in!! 🙂

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Philip Surette says:

    Mrs. has become quite a mechanic apparently, down at the shop. Maybe you could have asked her to take charge, of the Kubota situation. That's what I (suggest) to my wife, once I'm far enough out of her reach!

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Design83 says:

    Thank for taking the time to video the steering cylinder rebuild, I need to do mine and this helped very much. I also have the service manual, but as you said not much help after cylinder removal.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Albert Eller says:

    A + job I don’t think there is any thing you can’t do .good video work. Thanks 🙏🏻

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Luis M. Raposo says:

    How cute, your daughter looks so much like your wife. That's adorable. I'm a father of two boys. I always wanted a daughter. I'm 50 now and divorced. Oh well.

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Stabile says:

    I love mechanic talk that isn't and never will be political correct..Keep the ship sailing Mr.O

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars TheTruthman89 says:

    I just did this to mine. What a PITA. one hour to take it out, one hour to put it back in, 2 hours to repack it. I will bet this is a $500 to $600 job to have a dealer do it.

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Martin Kucic says:

    Holy crapbuiscut Trinity is grown!