Removing pin from 1982 JCB 3CX steering ram.

[Spancan]

I am in the process of taking off the steering ram in order to have the seals replaced, however I cannot get the pin out that secures the ram to the chassis. Any ideas please.

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[Jeremy Rowland]

Hi Steve and welcome somebody on here should be able to point you in the right direction.

Jeremy

[essexpete]

Is it completely tight/locked solid or has it worn a shoulder that is stopping removal?

[Spancan]

It is seized .

[essexpete]

Could you get a very fine cutting disc in there? Separate parts, then heat around the stuck pin in 2/3 pieces. Might be able to put the rod end on a press?

[gecko.cx]

It's unlikely, but make sure there is no hydraulic pressure loading up the pin.

Would you be able to get a wood splitting wedge in there?

As it is the 'cylinder end, strictly you don't need to remove it to put in a new seal kit. In fact, undoing the nut is a lot easier when still attached.

I was quoted £300 to supply and fit a seal kit from a local hydraulics place for a kit the JCB dealer charged me £25. The steering ram is a bit more complex than most, but still not difficult to rebuild yourself.

[Matchless?58]

I would be in favour of Pete's idea of cutting the pin . Looks to me from your picture that a 1mm cutting disc would slip down the side quite easily . Cut one side then knock it over and cut the other . Once the ram is out of the way the remainder of the pin usually gives up without to much of a fight . One thing ive done in the past to remove bits of stuck pins is drill a hole in it then heat until glowing red then hit the bugger . The drilled hole seems to distribute the heat better . Please let us know how you get on .

[Spancan]

Thanks for replies. Tried to jack it out - no joy. Resorted to angle grinding the section of the pin out to remove the cylinder ram ( Thanks EssexPete & Chris). Will endeavour to remove the remains of the stuck pins.

[Spancan]

Hydraulic oil supplier suggested I used a heavier hydraulic oil (46) for an older machine with minor leaks, but does anyone know if you can add 46 grade to a hydraulic tank that I believe is 30 grade ? Or should I stick with 30 grade ?

[essexpete]

Steve I don't think you will have a problem. The common gradesare 32 and 46. Right or wrong, I have used 46 grade in my old machines for years. Does the current oil look reasonably clear?