A sliding shield structure is attached to the rod of a steering cylinder and moves with the rod to fully protect the rod at all times and to eliminate interference between the shield and steerable wheel throughout the steering range of the implement. Primarily support of the shield is by the implement axle structure, rollers and slides. The shield and the rod can rotate freely relative to each other to eliminate torque load transmission between the components. A notched plate holds the structure and facilitates easy removal by simply rotating the shield away from the cylinder rod.