oops or how not to fix 674 steering

Since I have had the 674, I have been annoyed by the way one of the lines for the steering cylinder hung below the axle. I had some free time this evening so I was going to build a little skid plate to protect it. After working on the plate and just about calling it done, I took another look at the line I was trying to protect. This is when I realized that it would fit correctly if I turned the fitting on the end of the rod. I did this and all looked good. I decided to go ahead and have another line made because the old one wasn't looking too hot. Since I had the tractor outside the barn, I put the line back on, and prepared to move it into the barn where I could leave it out of the weather while I was having line made tomorrow. It starts up, and everything works normal. I turn the steering wheel lock to lock twice and POW. Epic fail pow. The rod end broke off right where it screws into the clevis. I managed to take it all off and remove the broken rod piece from the clevis before unhooking the mower that was on the back (all 1400lbs or so) and winching the tractor into the barn so I could work on it out of the rain tomorrow evening.

Obviously I'm going to need either a new rod/packing/etc or a new cylinder. The question is: What made it break? The only thing I can think of is that I took the play out of where the rod screws into the clevis. This happened when I was turning the fitting. I did loosen the jam nut on the fitting to turn it, but I didn't really think anything of the 1/8-1/4 turn I put on the rod. I assume that the rod is supposed to be backed off a certain amount from the bottom of the clevis. Is that right? If that is the case, what is the magic number? I'd hate to put this back together and experience this chain of events again.

Thanks all.

Quite frankly, I'm having a hard time painting a mental image of what you're talking about. I'm sure other people are too, which is why you haven't received any replies until now.

I really can't understand why fiddling with hydraulic lines would cause the cylinder itself to break. Maybe it was just ready to go?

Can you post a picture of what broke?

Try to find a used steering cylinder 74-84 series. New shaft or assy. is very expensive. This has happend before give me a call and I can go into more detail. 304 358 2533 Home 304 358 7271 Work

After throwing the cylinder into the parts washer this evening, I'm of the opinion that it was just time for it to go. It was one of those things where I couldn't imagine anything that would cause the problem, but the problem magically appeared after I made a tiny change. Tightening the rod into the clevis should not have done anything because the rod can still turn in the cylinder. I'm looking at my options at the moment. I have not priced a used cylinder yet, but I know the ballpark on the new rod/kit and the entire new cylinder. There are some sources in aftermarket that make a new cylinder seem like an okay idea compared to the price of the rod itself. The only thing keeping me from going used is the possibility that I end up with another time bomb. I'm going to think on it.

I have attached a screen cap of the breakdown showing where this is broken. The smaller picture shows the clevis and all the fittings. The larger shot is the broken down cylinder. Red arrow shows break location in each image.

I think it is as you believe. I also think it is wonderful that it broke while being messed with rather than in road gear on the highway.
A used part that was magnifluxed or Xrayed would be as safe as any new part. Thre fact that it was easy to get out of the clevis points to the fact that it was not stresses from your action. Good luck, BUT you already had the major portion of that when it broke standing still. JimN