Breakaway Coupler Rebuild Questions for a 1st timer

[Farnorth]

I am installing new seals in the breakaway couplers on my 1969 JD 4520 (they are John Deere style and I plan to keep that way). When I removed the receptacle body, some of the steel balls fell out. Is this normal? Does it pay to replace the balls with new ones? Also, any tricks to installing the backup washer and o-rings in the receptacle body? I find these harder to install than the ones in the housing itself. Do you guys put the backup washer in first or the o-ring? Thanks.
 

[JMS./MN]

Check to see if the balls are chipped- often happens if the hose gets pulled out of the coupler. Apply some gun grease when you assemble- balls will stick in the holes rather than fall out. I use a dental pick to install/remove those o-rings.
 

[Hayfarmer]

When I worked at a JD dealer we generally replaced the steel balls when we overhauled the couplers. Tricky part is getting the snap ring on the lever that slides the couplers out when you hook up. Under the freeze plug on the top. You need 2 hands but only room for one finger. Crooked nose needle point pliers help
 

[schriffs]

As far as installing the o-ring and backup ring, it depends on which style you got. With a round-profile o-ring and spiral back-up ring, install the o-ring first, then start one end of the spiral ring and work it in from there. If you have a square-cut o-ring and solid back-up ring, install the back-up ring first, as it isn't really flexible enough to get in after the o-ring. John Deere style usually has the first type, ISO/Pioneer style may use either one. In either case, the back-up ring is to the outside of the o-ring.