If you are adjusting your steering...

[Dale Finch]

This situation could apply to any tractor with the ball-type tie rods...

Wednesday I began working on getting the steering adjusted, which obviously involved turning the steering wheel left and right, thus resulting in the new front tires pivoting on the nice concrete floor. Friday I decided I would put a couple squares of cardboard under the front tires to make it easier. However, to my horror, I discovered that the strain on the tie rod end on one side had caused it to split (a bit late with my idea, wasn't I ??):




So now I am faced with either repairing it (difficult without having a bead on the outside), or finding a "new" one. (If anyone has one I could buy, please let me know!)

My sincere suggestion for anyone doing a procedure like this is to find some way to allow the wheels to turn easily BEFORE you break something!!

Dale F

[klyant]

I've never seen that happen to a tractor before. welding it would be very hard. Guessing it would mess up the threads. try watching ebay. lots of tractors get parted out everyday on the bay. They are listed in the industrial catagory. There is even an antique tractor sub catagory.

[Dale Shaw]

Take one off your non running cub till you can get another.

Dale

[buster38]

A small amount of oil dry under the tires makes them easier to turn

[Jim Becker]

I doubt that crack was caused by the wheel turning hard on the floor. That part should stand whatever force you can exert at the steering wheel. More likely, the ball that was in that end is worn egg shaped. The effective diameter will be smallest when pointed straight ahead. If you tighten it down when pointed straight ahead, it will bind when turned. The binding is probably what caused the fracture.

[Boss Hog]

Jim Nailed it

[Dale Finch]

DANG! You are right, Jim!! I had JUST tightened everything up nice and snug (not tight, but not loose)...I so HATE to learn things the hard way!! I actually DO study things carefully as I do them, but I just don't have the experience to anticipate these kinds of things. Thanks for the info, so I can check the other tie rod and the center arm!!! If you think of any other got'cha's like that, I would welcome them!

Dale F

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

Take one off your non running cub till you can get another.

Dale

I don't think one from a cub will fit.

[Dale Finch]

Take one off your non running cub till you can get another.

Dale

I don't think one from a cub will fit.

John, you are right...it is quite a bit larger than the cub rod end. Looks like a visit to Boss' is in the future!! Always nice to have an excuse to explore up that direction, anyway!!

Dale F

[Super A]

Dale,

I think I have a Super A tie rod end or two lying around. Might even have a couple NOS. PM me if you need one.

Al

[Danny D]

It may be possible to silver solder a sleeve on the outside. If you can do a good job the repair may be hardly noticeable.