Anyone replace the seals on hydraulic steering? Trailer brakes locking on reverse?

Discovered that the seals are leaking pretty bad on the Seastar hydraulic tube in the back and I have no steering as a result. If you've replaced the seals, how big of a job is it? Doesn't look like that big of a deal but is it one of those that 10 things will go wrong for every one that goes right?
How many bottles of fluid will I need to refill the system?

Also discovered that the surge brakes on the trailer are locking up when I go into reverse. Pretty sure that the reverse light wiring isn't getting a good connection but if that isn't it, other than a bad solenoid, anyone know what would cause that?

I replaced a seal on my Seastar steering. They sell kits. Not that hard, but getting the air out takes at least 2 people. Also helps if the fluid box at the console has a high point fill. Remember if it can be done, there is a video on youtube.

Reverse light wiring issue you listed... I don't have that brand but my trailers reverse lights went out, then only one taillight would work. LED style. After completely rewiring the whole trailer and replacing the light assemblies and even having the Dodge dealership replace the trailer connection. It still did the same thing. I ended up finding that it was two bad grounding points. The wiring harness ground to the trailer up by the tongue and the light assembly ground back by one of the lights. Dremel tool with a wire brush on it and five minutes and not a problem since.

For light issues sand down your ground points real good. Mine looked fine and couldn't see any corrosion at all.

Might help.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Bottles of fluid or bottles of beer? Well, kinda talkin bout the same thing here. Jeff and Johnnie can get your brakes ( and seals) worked out. Them boys are good! I'll send my work there!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by crappiepappa

Bottles of fluid or bottles of beer? Well, kinda talkin bout the same thing here. Jeff and Johnnie can get your brakes ( and seals) worked out. Them boys are good! I'll send my work there!

---

X2!

The seals are pretty straight forward just order the kit with the seal wrench and Bleed Bleed Bleed Bleed and then Bleed some more. Bout 1 1/2 bottles should do it just keep running it through

1. Check the ground.
2. Check the ground.
3. Solder the grounding points to truck and trailer. Haven't had a grounding issue after that one.
4. Use a twelve volt power supply, i.e. lawn mower battery or whatever you have, or put the vehicle in reverse without the engine running. Plug and unplug the hook ups and listen for the solenoid to click on and off. I had one that would click but was going bad and eventually failed altogether. By using a battery you can leave the vehicle out of the loop which may have it's own issues.

Achiro. this is the kit I have used on my boat, my dads, and another guides boat. Seastar Teleflex Steering Cylinder Replacement Seals Seal Kit HC5345 Others | eBay . $60. It is about a 20 min job. you can do only one side if you that is all that is leaking. you do not loose that much fluid. 1/2 cup maybe. you will have to order or make your own spanner wrench. i made mine. getting the air out is not hard. fill the helm with oil, leave the cap off the helm, and rotate all the way to the end,stop, refill helm, go all the way to the other end. when you get to that end, refill. now rotate motor end to end several times, refilling as needed. you will use about 1/4 of a quart. I use universal hydraulic tractor fluid to refill with. Bring that thing over one evening and we can change it out.

Thanks for all the comments. I ordered parts(including wrench) yesterday. Should be here Wednesday. Just hoping it all comes apart without too many issues. Appreciate the offer ledge, it looks pretty straight forward but if it gets too complicated I may holler at you.

do not disconnect the lines from the cylinder. just take the steering arm off enough to slide the new gland on over the shaft. when you take the lines off, this is when the bleeding of air drama begins.