JCB Sideshift Stabilizer Rebuild (video)

Hi,

Recently rebuilt the sideshift stabilizers on my 2004 JCB 212s. These are the vertical stabilizer legs, more common on European JCB backhoes like the 3cx. These use plastic wear pads to hold the inner leg. Over time the wear pads will wear out and if you don't replace them soon enough this allows the hydraulic ram to twist, bending the rod. If your stabilizers are leaking, they are probably bent. At least this was the case for me.

Prices for the wear pads from the dealer were ridiculous, and would have had to come from England. Luckily there are ebay sellers from India selling kits for $65US a side (vs. $500US a side from dealer), and I got the parts in 3 days.

The pins were nice and seized on mine. No grease fittings on either pin. I had to jury rig up my shop press under the machine to push them out.

I didn't rebuild the rams myself. I had a shop that specializes in rebuilding cylinders do them, Hydrauli-Chrome here in Ottawa. They made new rods to replace my bent ones. Not cheap, so if you have a side shift backhoe don't neglect the stabilizer wear pads.

Nice and very informative video Greg. Just checked my 1994 210S and it doesn't have these wear pads. Don't know if that's a good thing or not but they seem to be ok for now.Also watched your "Thumb Install vid" can't remember if I asked or not but where did you purchase your thumb and what was the cost.

I guess as long as the inner legs don't rattle around a lot, you should be OK.
I purchased the thumb from http://www.showtimefab.com/store/heavy_equipment.html
It was a little under $1200 US shipped to Ogdensburg NY, that was in 2014. It's been working fine since. Although my machine isn't worked too hard.