656 bolster leaking from seal on bottom

[Justin0924]

How difficult is it to replace the seal on the bottom of the steering bolster

 

[caterpillar guy]

I'll take a stab at this. IF this has the steering pivot for the tie rods out the bottom of the bolster like the 06 series then you have a cover under the radiator and the pivot shaft comes out the bottom meaning you need to block the front end up and let the front axle and bolster down so the shaft can come out to replace the o-ring on the shaft. Last time I did that was about 40 years ago on an 806. I blocked the front axle up then raised the front of the tractor up till the shaft would come out the bottom. Those 4 3/4 bolts holding the axle pivot on have to come out so the axle can drop down. I suppose you could also if you had a way to hold it up just roll the axle ahead some to clear the steering shaft. Though the steering arm comes off with 3 bolts solving the tie rod in the way problem. You will also have to take the cap off the stay ball on the brace.

 

[Justin0924]

(quoted from post at 17:03:56 04/07/23) How difficult is it to replace the seal on the bottom of the steering bolster

Case had 2 o rings in stock but had to order the seal. Is there just o rings or is the seal an update ?

 

[JP0503]

Cat guy has basically got it. I did the
same repair just a couple years ago. I
recommend pulling the front axle all the
way out, doing so will give you loads more
space.

Start off by pulling the radiator.
Underneath is a dome shaped cap. Take that
off to reveal a spanner nut and locking
ring. Be careful removing the nut, the
shaft drops out the bottom and has a fair
bit of weight to it.

The shaft rides on two cone bearings. The
bottom one is lubricated by grease, and is
probably in need of replacement. Mine fell
out in a pile because it didn't get enough
lube over it's life. I would anticipate
replacing it and it's race. I got the race
out by welding a bead around it. If you're
not a confident welder find someone to do
it for you. You really don't want splatter
in there.

You're going to want to get a service
manual and parts book there is a specific
procedure to torque the spanner nut. I
found all the parts through Bates corp in
Indiana.

Have fun - JP0503