R2 oily steering clutch brakes

Most folks just dump in some kerosene or diesel and drive the tractor back and forth a bit as detailed in the owners manual. 😆

Unless it is a newer U series tractor with greas lines, there are oil cups on the clutch release bearings which add oil to the housing as well as seals on the bevel gear shaft and final drive pinion shaft that could leak oil into the compartment. Like you said, if the plugs haven't been taken out to let it drain, the normal amount of oil accumulation could have resulted in the contamination you found.

Kerosene, mineral spirits or parts washing solvent will work almost as well as brake cleaner and be a lot cheaper. The citric acid solution is intended for rust removal, not really cleaning oily residues.

i suppose, but now it is apart and up on blocks. Guess i will let them soak in kero for a week or so. I now feel too that normal leakage filled up the areas. my tractor is a 5E series (like a 22). now what do i do about the modified brake control rods, is there an ongoing issue with these things breaking? I think the steer clutches were rebuilt just before it was parked, and someone went to a lot of trouble to re-do the brake rods. Anything else i nned to inspect before it gets all sealed up again? Dave

Perhaps the brake rods broke because the operator was having to stamp on the pedals to get the machine to turn due to oily brake bands. I would be looking for leaks on the the bevel gear shaft seals and the final drive pinion seals but that means pulling off the clutches and brake drums. If you go this far, make sure the clutches and drums are pressed back on properly or they will come lose.